zama

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

Zama City Assembly opposes establishment of U.S. Army's new command

The Zama City Assembly in Kanagawa Prefecture on November 10 adopted a statement opposing the plan recently agreed upon by the Japanese and U.S. governments to establish a new U.S. Army I Corps command and a central rapid response group of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force at U.S. Camp Zama.

Concerning the interim report on the realignment of U.S. military bases in Japan, the city assembly criticized the government for disregarding local opinions.

The statement expressed concerns that the plan to relocate the new command from Washington State will reinforce and perpetuate the functions of U.S. Camp Zama.

Arguing that the plan to establish a GSDF central rapid response group runs counter to the 1971 memorandum of understanding between the Zama Town mayor and the Yokohama Regional Defense Facilities Administration Bureau chief, the statement requested the government to reconsider the realignment plan.

Before the vote, a Liberal Democratic Party member walked out of the assembly floor to abstain from voting. -- Akahata, November 11, 2005