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

Sagamihara mayor again opposes realignment of U.S. Camp Zama

The mayor of Sagamihara city in Kanagawa Prefecture near Metropolitan Tokyo on March 22 reiterated his opposition to the plan to reinforce U.S. Army Camp Zama, as part of the U.S. plan to realign U.S. military bases in Japan.

Mayor Ogawa Isao stated this at the city government-citizens liaison council meeting, responding to the Yokohama Regional Defense Facilities Administration Bureau's explanations about the plan.

He said he stands firm against any plan to perpetuate U.S. military facilities in his city.

The DFAB had explained to the city that there is no change in the basic plan to establish a new U.S. Army Corps headquarters and the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Central Response Group command in Camp Zama. Added proposals include relocating houses located within the U.S. Army Sagami Supply Depot to the U.S. Sagamihara Family Housing Area and establishing a new training center within the depot.

The bureau also made clear that part of the depot site will be returned to the city but will be further co-used by the U.S. Army, the JGSDF, as well as residents. The city and residents have long been calling for the return of the base site.

A JCP city assembly member said that the mayor should request the government to clarify the plan concerning the return of the base site and express his firm opposition to any plan to realign the U.S. military bases.
- Akahata, March 23, 2006