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

Hyogo governor accepts U.S. warship to call at a local port

Hyogo Governor Ido Toshizo at a news conference on August 21 announced that the prefecture has permitted the U.S. Aegis destroyer John S. McCain to call at the civil port of Himeji between August 24 and 28. U.S. warships have entered Himeji Port twice before.

Kobe Port, located near Himeji Port, has been enforcing a nuclear-free policy called the Kobe Formula, requiring all warships to submit a certificate stating that they are not carrying nuclear weapons. Since its establishment in 1975, the policy has successfully blocked the entry of U.S. warships into Kobe Port.

Kajimoto Shushi of the Hyogo Prefectural Council against A & H Bombs (Hyogo Gensuikyo) said, "As part of the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, the port call of the John S. McCain is aimed at putting pressure on Kobe Port to repeal the nuclear-free Kobe Formula."
- Akahata, August 22, 2006