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

Residents hold rally against strengthening of Camp Zama

In Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, more than 1,500 residents took part in a rally on November 18 in opposition to the strengthening of U.S. Camp Zama located in the city.

It was organized by the Zama City Liaison Council against the U.S. Army Command Relocation to Camp Zama composed of the city government, the city assembly, and regional residential associations

Speaking on behalf of the organizers, Zama City Mayor Hoshino Katsuji angrily stated that the city will never accept the Japan-U.S. interim report on the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan because it only details the strengthening of Camp Zama.

Stating that the Liaison Council submitted to the government about 60,000 signatures it collected from about a half of the Zama city population opposing the relocation plan, Hoshino called on the participants, "Let us boldly demand a withdrawal of the interim report."

The rally received messages of solidarity from Kanagawa Prefectural Governor Matsuzawa Shigefumi and Iha Yoichi, mayor of Okinawa's Ginowan City that hosts the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station. -- Akahata, November 19, 2005