Municipalities continue to jointly protest against relocation of U.S. aircraft unit to Iwakuni

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Municipalities continue to jointly protest against relocation of U.S. aircraft unit to Iwakuni

In Hiroshima Prefecture, a council of local municipalities and residents held a meeting in Hatsukaichi City on January 16 and unanimously decided to continue to oppose the relocation of a U.S. carrier-borne aircraft unit to the U.S. Marine Corps Iwakuni Air Station in Iwakuni City in neighboring Yamaguchi Prefecture.

The council also decided to send a statement to the national government in protest against its decision to cut the subsidy to Iwakuni City for the construction of a new city hall on the grounds that the city is opposing the relocation plan.

Hatsukaichi City Mayor Yamashita Saburo criticized the subsidy cut as a violation of the promise in disregard of the principle of local autonomy.

The withdrawal of Otake City from the council was confirmed since the city changed its position to accept the relocation plan. However, Yamashita stated, "We will stick to this council movement," stressing that Iwakuni City keeps on opposing the relocation despite difficulties.

Etajima City Mayor Sone Kaoru stated, "For the sake of residents' safety, I will continue to share the burden with Iwakuni City."

Iwakuni City Mayor Ihara Katsusuke, who participated in the meeting as an observer, appreciated the council's decision, pointing out that the planned relocation will affect not only Iwakuni City but all municipalities facing Hiroshima Bay. He stated, "In Iwakuni City, we will thoroughly discuss the issue with residents and the assembly."
- Akahata, January 17, 2007