JCP Koike: Hatoyama’s betrayal an insult

Japan Press Weekly

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

JCP Koike: Hatoyama’s betrayal an insult

Japanese Communist Party Policy Commission Chair Koike Akira on May 23 criticized the Hatoyama government’s basic agreement to transfer the Futenma base of the U.S. forces to Henoko off Nago City in Okinawa as “the worst act of betrayal to Okinawans and the general public.” His criticism was made when he was asked by reporters about the government’s announcement in Tokyo.

Koike referred to DPJ leader Hatoyma Yukio’s public promise during the general election campaign last year that Futenma base should be transferred abroad, at least outside Okinawa. Koike said, “After many detours, things have gone back to the starting point, and people won’t accept such a conclusion as this.”

Asked about Hatoyama’s visit to Okinawa to get the prefecture’s understanding of the decision, Koike said, “What on earth will he be explaining in Okinawa? Okinawans are completely in opposition to the new base construction and transfer of any base in the prefecture. The door to Okinawa has been locked. To go to Okinawa to explain that a base should be built in Okinawa on the coast of Henoko is a provocative insult to Okinawans.”

Koike said that the local agreement, which the U.S. side is calling for, is impossible, and that seeking a place for transfer is destined to a failure. He said that the JCP will continue to demand the unconditional removal of the base.

- Akahata, May 24, 2010