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

Kanagawa governor and 2 municipal heads agree to refuse U.S. base realignment

On March 24, the Kanagawa governor and the heads of Kanagawa's Zama and Sagamihara cities that host U.S. Camp Zama had a meeting in the prefectural government office and agreed to reject the planned realignment of U.S. bases in their cities. They decided to visit the Defense Agency in a few days to request the government to respect local opinion in its negotiations with the U.S. government.

In answer to a reporter's question after the meeting, Governor Matsuzawa Narifumi expressed his opposition to the relocation of a new U.S. Army headquarters to Camp Zama because it is nothing but a strengthening of the base, and stressed, "We will do our utmost to prevent the government from forcibly implementing the plan."

Zama Mayor Hoshino Katsuji said, "The government should respect local decisions. Adopting a 'final report' without local consent will further increase our distrust."

Sagamihara Deputy Mayor Kayama Toshio said that the local municipalities cannot accept the government plan before ironing out specific problems. He stressed, "We are burdened with bases. We share the call for a reduction of the burdens and the removal of the bases."
- Akahata, March 25, 2006