Zama City Assembly adopts resolution opposing implementation of U.S. forces realignment

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Zama City Assembly adopts resolution opposing implementation of U.S. forces realignment

The assembly of Zama City in Kanagawa Prefecture hosting U.S. Army Camp Zama on September 28 adopted a resolution urging the government not to make budget allocations or start construction related to the realignment of Camp Zama without consulting with the municipality.

The Japanese Communist Party city assembly members group proposed the draft resolution.

The resolution called on the government to give top priority to consultations with the municipality and to not carry out related construction work at the base ahead of the consultations.

The resolution also made clear the city's basic position in conducting consultations with the government by stating that it is a principle of the city to oppose increasing and perpetuating the base functions and that the path to truly reduce the burdens caused by the military base is to be found in the eventual removal of the base.

The government is working on the next year's budget in which it plans to include the cost of the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan. In its budget request announced in August, the Defense Agency included 7 million yen as the cost of survey and research for the establishment of the Ground Self-Defense Central Readiness Group command at Camp Zama.

The resolution criticized the government's insincere act for neglecting the necessary consultations with the city.
- Akahata, September 29, 2006