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

Nagasaki prefectural residents want U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier out of Sasebo Port

About 180 workers, women, and young people on May 28 took part in a rally in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, in protest against the port call at Sasebo Port by the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, now berthing in the port.

Protesters marched in demonstration through the city, shouting "Get out of Sasebo! Don't let U.S. nuclear carriers enter freely into A-bombed Nagasaki Prefecture!"

Japanese Communist Party House of Representatives member Akamine Seiken at the rally said, "Every two years, a U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier comes into Sasebo Port. I'm concerned that U.S. forces will make Sasebo a secondary homeport for U.S. nuclear aircraft carriers, leading to the strengthening of the functions of U.S. military bases in the Kyushu region."

Akamine called on participants to increase the movement in A-bombed Nagasaki Prefecture in order to prevent Sasebo from turning into a stronghold for U.S. invasions and Japan from turning into a country to fight in foreign wars.

The captain of the Lincoln said that the Lincoln's call at Sasebo is aimed at improving joint military operations with the Maritime Self-Defense Force.
- Akahata, May 29 2006