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

City assembly and town mayor oppose U.S. use of Nyutabaru base

In Miyazaki Prefecture, the newly-elected mayor of Shintomi Town on March 21 expressed his opposition to the plan to relocate U.S. military exercises to Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Base located in the town.

Mayor Tsuchiya Yoshifumi said at a press conference that he will explain the town's refusal of the plan to the Defense Agency and the Foreign Ministry within a few days.

Tsuchiya stressed that the town government is responsible for securing lives and properties as well as safety of the residents.

The Miyazaki City Assembly also adopted a resolution on March 20 with a majority vote, including the Japanese Communist Party, in opposition to the use of the Nyutabaru base by the U.S. forces in Japan under the U.S. military realignment plan.

The resolution states that the U.S. use of Nyutabaru base will increase the risk of plane crashes and noise pollution, and that the base is expected to be used for logistic support in the event of military emergencies. It criticizes the government for ignoring the will of local municipalities and requests the government to withdraw the plan.
- Akahata, March 22, 2006