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Ginowan mayor calls on foreign minister to close Futenma base

Okinawafs Ginowan City Mayor Iha Yoichi on November 16 urged Foreign Minister Okada Katsuya to close and remove the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma base.

At an observation deck overlooking the Futenma base, Iha explained to Okada that the base is located in the densely populated area of Ginowan in violation of U.S. safety standards.

Okada told Iha that considering the Japan-U.S. security structure, the government must find a place to relocate the base instead of closing it.

After the talks with Okada, asked by reporters how he sees the governmentfs position to try to reach a conclusion on this issue this year, Iha said, gThe government should take more time to discuss this issue. The U.S. government will publish a new Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) next year. Okinawafs issues need to be dealt with based on the U.S. forcesf new strategy.h

gMajority of Okinawans are opposed to the relocation of the Futenma base within the prefecture. The government should not misread their demands,h he added.

- Akahata, November 17, 2009




 



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