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Okinawa again rejects new U.S. base

Okinawa Governor Inamine Keiichi and Nago City Mayor Kishimoto Tateo on November 25 separately met with visiting Foreign Minister Aso Taro and repeated their rejection of the plan to construct a new U.S. base.

They stated their opposition in reply to Aso's request that they accept the plan to relocate U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station in Ginowan City to the shoreline areas of U.S. Camp Schwab in Nago City in line with the realignment scheme of U.S. forces in Japan agreed upon by the Japanese and U.S. governments.

Aso stressed the need of the U.S. military presence in Okinawa, saying, "I know the importance of alleviating Okinawa's burdens because Okinawa hosts 75 percent of the U.S. bases in Japan, but it is also important to recognize that the U.S. military presence in Okinawa is necessary."

Governor Inamine again called for a substantial reduction in the burdens imposed on Okinawans.

Although Mayor Kishimoto protested over a new flight route that will be closer to residential areas and the construction of the 1,800-meter runway, the foreign minister did not comment on the matter.
- Akahata, November 26, 2005