Okinawa assembly opposition groups call on JCP Shii to help stop new U.S. base construction

Japan Press Weekly

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

Okinawa assembly opposition groups call on JCP Shii to help stop new U.S. base construction

The Okinawa prefectural assembly in July 2008 adopted a decision opposing the planned construction of a new U.S. base off Henoko in Nago City to replace the U.S. Futenma Air Station. To have this decision carried out under the new central government, the assembly's six opposition groups including the Social Mass Party on September 9 visited the Japanese Communist Party Dietmembers' Group.

JCP Chair Shii Kazuo stated that the JCP wholeheartedly agrees with the decision and will struggle for the Futenma base to be unconditionally shut down, be never relocated anywhere within the prefecture, and for the new base construction to be cancelled.

Referring to Democratic Party of Japan leader Hatoyama Yukio's public statement in a TV debate program before the general election that a new base should not only be outside Okinawa but outside Japan, Shii said that he urged Hatoyama to negotiate with the United States to wipe the slate clean on any plan to relocate bases within Japan.

Shii said that the DPJ should carry out this public promise, and promote a national struggle opposing any delaying tactics or continuation of the new base construction.

- Akahata, September 10, 200