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

Local government heads angered at government accord to push U.S. military realignment in Japan

Heads of local governments affected by U.S. bases have voiced their stern protest against the May 30 government decision to promptly implement the Japan-U.S. agreement on the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan.

Iwakuni Mayor Ihara Katsusuke at a news conference

"It is regrettable that the government has taken the decision without adequate discussion with local governments and residents. Iwakuni citizens' opposition to the planned relocation of U.S. aircraft carrier units from Atsugi to the U.S. Marine Corps Iwakuni Air Station is clear. I'll not change my rejection of the plan.

The issue now is our opposition, and we are not about to discuss the government's offer of local development plans. I must represent the residents in my negotiations with the government. As long as the realignment plan has many unanswered questions, I want to go on questioning the central government."

Ginowan Mayor Iha Yoichi in Okinawa Prefecture

Ginowan Mayor Iha Yoichi stated, "Although the government stresses that the danger from the Futenma base (the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station in Ginowan) will be reduced, it is only if the base is relocated to a replacement site in the Henoko district of Nago City by 2014. This means that Ginowan citizens will be exposed to the danger from the base for another eight years. How can we allow such a plan?"

"No new U.S. base in Okinawa must be constructed. I wonder if the Japanese and U.S. governments take into consideration Okinawans' well-being. Such a government decision that completely disregards the local people will only give rise to Okinawans anger," he said.

Yukuhashi Mayor Yatsunami Koichi in Fukuoka Prefecture

"It is indeed regrettable that the government has taken the decision without completing discussions with the local government. The government should be sincere in dealing with us. U.S. jet fighters' flight training exercises at SDF Tsuiki base, if carried out, will give us greater impact because of the increased scale and functions compared to the past USFJ-JSDF exercises.

We'll continue to oppose the relocation of U.S. military aircraft training exercises to the base near our city. As a mayor, I'll continue to tell the government that we can shoulder no more burdens of the military base."

Zama Mayor Hoshino Katsuji in Kanagawa Prefecture

"It is very regrettable that the government published the decision while talks with us are still underway.

Zama City has called on the central government to show us its basic plan responsive to our desire that there must be no perpetual U.S. base in the city. I will work harder so that the base site will be returned to us."
- Akahata, May 31, 2006