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

Okinawans against new U.S. base explain their view to foreign press

At a press conference held at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in Tokyo on April 17, representatives of the Nago Council against the Construction of U.S. On-Sea Heliport explained about their opposition to the plan to construct a new U.S. base with two runways on the shoreline of U.S. Camp Schwab in Nago City, Okinawa.

Citing a survey conducted by an Okinawa paper showing that 70 percent of the residents in Okinawa Prefecture and 83 percent in Nago City oppose the plan, Council Chair Ashitomi Hiroshi said, "The Nago City mayor agreed to the plan, but the residents did not."

"We will allow no one to change our blue sea into a killing sea. We want to protect the dugong, an endangered mammal inhabiting these waters, making them a symbol of peace," said Ashitomi.

Asked to comment on the view that removal of U.S. forces from Okinawa would lead to an increase in the unemployment rate, Ashitomi stated, "With the expansion of tourism, Okinawa is becoming less dependent on military bases. A natural environment free from military bases will certainly attract more tourists."
- Akahata, April 18, 2006