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

Kanagawa's peace marchers urge Foreign Ministry to not accept U.S. military realignment plan

Representatives of the "citizens' peace march" held March 29-April 3 in Kanagawa Prefecture in three separate courses near U.S. Army Camp Zama, U.S. Army Sagami Depot, and the U.S. Yokosuka Naval Base, on April 3 visited the Foreign Ministry to request that the government not agree with the "final report" on the U.S. military realignment in Japan.

Saito Kimiko on behalf of the peace march organizing committee stated that the U.S. military transformation plan concerning Japan must be withdrawn, and that the plan to homeport the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to the U.S. Yokosuka base be cancelled.

Pointing out that many accidents have been caused by U.S. nuclear-powered military vessels, Ishizawa Hideo, Yokosuka Peace Committee secretary general, emphasized that the "myth of safety" cannot ensure the safety of carrier-based nuclear reactors.

A Foreign Ministry official maintained that Japan has been free from military conflicts because U.S. aircraft carriers have been deployed to Yokosuka. He was rebuffed by peace activists who said, "No U.S. aircraft carrier has been deployed to Japan for the defense of Japan. The ministry must stop depending on military-first thinking."

Hayasaka Yoshiro, Central Action Committee against Japan-U.S. Security Treaty secretary general, demanded that the government stop urging municipalities to accept the "final report" on the U.S. military realignment in Japan. Japanese Communist Party former House of Councilors member Hatano Kimie was also present.
- Akahata, April 4, 2006