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

Let's Check 'Nay' Association formed: Iwakuni referendum on U.S. military relocation

In Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, about 2,000 people from trade unions, democratic organizations, and peace organizations as well as the Japanese Communist Party started up the ﾒLet's check 'Nay' to the acceptance of U.S. carrier-borne aircraft associationﾓ on February 17 to reject the U.S. military relocation plan in the city's referendum slated for March.

It has already begun making phone calls and distributing handouts expressing opposition to the Japanese and U.S. government plan to relocate the U.S. carrier-borne airwing from U.S. Atsugi Naval Station to U.S. Marine Iwakuni Air Station.

The group has published an ﾒappealﾓ to the citizens pointing out that the Japanese government had promised to consult with local governments prior to agreement on realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan. ﾒIn breach of the promise, the government is trying to impose the plan on Iwakuni without providing any meaningful information. What's more the government has made clear that the plan will never be revised or withdrawn,ﾓ it stated.

Pointing out the residents' concern about the plan, the appeal stated as follows: ﾒWith the relocation of the carrier-borne airwing, the functions of the Iwakuni base will be fundamentally changed. Unbearable noise pollution will be caused by the Night-Landing Practice (NLP) as well as touch-and-go exercises, and crimes are expected to rise because of the increase of U.S. soldiers.ﾓ
- Akahata, February 18, 2006