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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Shii criticizes plan to relocate U.S. Army command to Camp Zama

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on October 13 commented on the plan to relocate the U.S. Army's 1st Corps headquarters to U.S. Camp Zama in Kanagawa Prefecture, saying, "What the U.S. is really trying to do is to set up a control tower in Zama to direct preemptive wars which, like the Iraq war, will be carried out anytime and anywhere on the earth."

Shii stated this at a press conference in Kanagawa Prefecture where the House of Councilors by-election is taking place. The U.S. Army's 1st Corps relocation plan is a major election issue.

Pointing out that the relocation of the U.S. Army's 1st Corps headquarters commanding the U.S. Army Striker Brigade to Camp Zama will make the base a stronghold for U.S. wars of aggression, Shii stated that a commander coming to Zama will be responsible for "strike forces" that include the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Marine Corps. He also stressed that together with a plan to station a Self-Defense Forces central rapid response unit in Camp Zama, the relocation will enable the U.S. forces and SDF to be dispatched overseas together.

"This issue is of great significance not only to Kanagawa but to the whole nation. The move to make Zama a stronghold for U.S. lawless wars should never be allowed," said Shii. -- Akahata, October 14, 2005