military4

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

Okinawa governor discontent with government plan on U.S. military realignment

Okinawan Governor Inamine Keiichi on May 30 commented on the government decision that approved of the May 1 Japan-U.S. agreement on realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, stating, "It is very regrettable that the government has taken the decision without sufficient consultations with us."

He stressed that this contradicts the Defense Agency's promise to hold consultations with the Okinawan government on the base realignment issue.

Inamine stressed that he will further urge the central government to accept the Okinawa Prefecture government's initiatives for the reduction and eventual removal of U.S. bases in Okinawa.

Although there are many difficult problems concerning the issue of Okinawa's base, they must be resolved based on the consent of prefectural residents, he pointed out, hinting at difficulties in pushing the plan to construct a new U.S. air base on the shoreline of Nago City because of strong public opposition.
- Akahata, May 31, 2006