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

Yamaguchi governor again opposes accepting U.S. carrier-based aircraft unit at Iwakuni

Yamaguchi Governor Nii Sekinari on March 22 stated, "I'm not in a position to conclude that local residents show acceptance, so I cannot give the green light now" to the planned relocation of the U.S. aircraft carrier-based aircraft unit to U.S. Marine Corps Iwakuni Air Station from the U.S. Navy Atsugi Air Facility in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Nii was speaking at the prefectural assembly, concerning the plan to realign the U.S. forces in Japan. The final report will appear late in March or early in April.

Japanese Communist Party representative Mizuno Junji said that the Iwakuni City referendum in which the majority of citizens voted 'no' to the unit's relocation must be taken seriously. He requested the governor to tell the central government that local residents are concerned about not only the noise pollution caused by U.S. military aircraft but also people's fear of possible aircraft crashes and serious crimes caused by U.S. soldiers.

Governor Nii on March 23 visited the foreign ministry and the defense agency to convey his opinion.
- Akahata, March 23, 24, 2006