anti-base struggle6

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DA chief says relocation plan will be affected by Iwakuni plebiscite

Defense Agency Director Nukaga Fukushiro indicated that a U.S. carrier-borne airwing will be relocated as planned from Atsugi in Kanagawa Prefecture to Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture regardless of the local referendum, drawing criticism from Iwakuni citizens. The referendum is scheduled for March.

At a news conference on February 21, Nukaga said, "It is the government responsibility to do what we should to secure the country, public safety, and regional stability."

Nukaga said, "I want (Iwakuni) residents to think again if this is just a local issue or a national issue."

A resident in western Hiroshima Prefecture near the U.S. Marines Iwakuni Air Station said, "Although our region will be affected by the possible increase in low-altitude flight exercises, the government is trying to force us to accept the plan without listening to us"

An Iwakuni resident said, "The government has repeatedly explained to us that it would listen to our opinions, but it will again break this promise."

Another Iwakuni resident said, "Nukaga is insulting the local residents. Is he still going to ignore us even if the referendum rejects the relocation plan?"

A member of the Yamaguchi Prefectural Peace Committee said, "Iwakuni citizens have put up with the negative effects of the Iwakuni base. It is natural for us to voice our opinions because further negative effects are expected following the U.S. airwing relocation."
- Akahata, February 22, 2006