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

Fukuoka Prefecture residents hold rally to oppose relocation of U.S. forces to Tsuiki

"In solidarity with Okinawa and throughout Japan, let's reject the strengthening of base functions and get the Japan-U.S. agreement revoked." Shouting this slogan, Fukuoka prefectural residents on June 4 held a rally in Chikujo Town to oppose the relocation of U.S. forces to the Air Self-Defense Force Tsuiki Base.

More than 1,200 people, including Chikujo Town residents, local ward heads, and representatives of a local women's society took part in the rally called for by an organizing committee consisting of the prefectural organizations of the National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren), the Japan Peace Committee, and, the Action Committee for the Abrogation of the Japan-US Security Treaty.

The rally adopted a resolution expressing the prefectural residents call for the cancellation of the Japan-U.S. agreement and opposition to forcing Japan to pay the cost of the U.S. military realignment in Japan of three trillion yen.

On behalf of the municipality a town assembly member in charge of the base issue spoke of the rally.

House of Representatives member Akamine Seiken and House of Councilors member Nihi Sohei attended the rally on behalf of the Japanese Communist Party.

Akamine severely criticized the Koizumi government for imposing the relocation plan under the pretext of easing burdens on Okinawa. Akamine said, "The government must not exploit the adversity facing Okinawa to implement its plan. Only the removal of U.S. bases from Japan will truly ease the burden of Okinawa"

The participants marched in demonstration to the ASDF Tsuiki base.
- Akahata, June 5, 2006