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

International cooperation against U.S. military realignment called for

The International Symposium of the 2005 Japan Peace Conference was held in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, on November 24 - 25 with the theme, "Solidarity of struggles against U.S. military bases in Asia and the rest of the world - Defeat of U.S. outrages for a peaceful and just world."

Five panelists from the U.S., Australia, Ecuador, South Korea, and Japan, as well as about 120 Japanese participants confirmed the need to develop their movements and cooperation to get rid of U.S. bases.

U.S. Princeton University Professor Zia Mian, stressing that the U.S. has bases in more than 130 countries, explained that military alliances are vital tools for the U.S. to dominate the world.

Luis Saavedra, representative of Ecuador's Regional Foundation for Counseling on Human Rights, explained that the U.S. base in Manta is used as a foothold to prevent the pursuit of independence and democracy in Latin America. He reported on the struggle to block the extension of the term of the U.S. use of the Manta base which will expire in 2009.

Robin Taubenfeld, representing the Brisbane Anti-Bases in Australia, explained how the Australian government supports the U.S. military strategy by providing base and training sites and welcoming U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier into its ports. She also reported on the anti-Iraq war campaign in Australia that has drawn in more than 1 million people.

Yoo Hong from the Solidarity for Peace and Reunification of Korea (SPARK) in South Korea spoke about the ongoing transformation of U.S. forces in South Korea into the "Asia Pacific rapid deployment forces" and about farmers' struggle in Pyontaeck to protect their rice fields from the expansion of the U.S. base.

Shoji Niihara said that the aim of the realignment of U.S. bases in Japan is to strengthen the U.S. preemptive attack strategy globally. He called for strengthening international cooperation against the U.S. military realignment policy.
- Akahata, November 25, 26, 2005