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

U.S. PAC-3 may be deployed anywhere in Okinawa in addition to Kadena

If the U.S. Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) interceptor missile system is deployed at the U.S. Kadena Air Base in Okinawa Prefecture as planned, it is likely that the U.S. will install the missile system at any U.S. base in the prefecture by transporting it on public roads.

On July 24, Naha Defense Facility Administration Bureau Head Sato Tsutomu revealed this in reply to Japanese Communist Party Okinawa Prefectural Committee representatives who visited the Bureau to request the cancellation of the plan to deploy PAC-3 missiles at the U.S. Kadena AB and the U.S. Kadena Ammunition Storage Area located in the central part of Okinawa's main island.

Sato stated, "PAC-3 missiles will be normally be at Kadena but they are mobile. As the missile system is installed on vehicles, it can be deployed at any U.S. base if the base is considered to have a top priority."

JCP House of Representatives member Akamine Seiken said, "Functions of U.S. bases in Okinawa have been strengthened using the international situation as the pretext. The deployment of PAC-3 missiles is pushed ahead under the same pretext of a 'new threat'."

Akamine demanded that the deployment plan be cancelled, saying, "Stationing of the Japanese Army in Okinawa threw Okinawans into ground battles, killing many. After WWII, they have suffered from various damages caused by U.S. bases. It is unacceptable to say that patriot missiles are there to protect Okinawa."
- Akahata, July 25, 2006