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

Masuda City opposes U.S. airwing relocation to Iwakuni

The Masuda City Assembly in Shimane Prefecture on March 24 adopted by majority a resolution opposing the plan to relocate a U.S. carrier-borne airwing to the U.S. Iwakuni base in neighboring Yamaguchi Prefecture.

The resolution expressed concern about the possibility that U.S. flight exercises over Masuda City would be intensified since that the planned relocation will double the number of U.S. aircraft stationed at the Iwakuni base.

Stating that the planned relocation is unacceptable from the standpoint of defending safety and residents' peaceful life, the resolution demanded an immediate halt to U.S. low-altitude flight exercises, revisions of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, and the cancellation of the relocation plan.

The resolution was proposed by the Japanese Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party in the Masuda City Assembly in response to a petition from a citizens' organization calling for a halt to U.S. flight exercises.
- Akahata, March 26, 2006