All parties in Okinawa unite for a successful rally against relocation of U.S. Futenma base within the prefecture

Japan Press Weekly

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

All parties in Okinawa unite for a successful rally against relocation of U.S. Futenma base within the prefecture

Members of all parties of the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly on March 25 held a meeting to confirm their resolve to work for a success of the local people’s rally scheduled for April 25.

This was the first time that members of all parties gathered to oppose the plan to relocate the U.S. Marines Futenma Air Station within the prefecture.

Over 40 assembly members, including five Japanese Communist Party members, took part in the meeting.

They determined to make efforts to organize district working committees for a success of the prefectural people’s rally.

The Hatoyama Yukio government’s breaking of its election promise has aroused great anger in Okinawa.

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Residents of Uruma City, a candidate site for a new base, on March 25 held a rally opposing the construction of a military base on the sea off the city. Local fisheries cooperatives are calling for the protection of their sea coast where most of Okinawa’s seaweed is produced.

Mayor Shimabukuro Toshio pointed out that the people in Uruma City are threatened by the dangers associated with the combined 11 military facilities of the U.S. Forces and Japanese Self-Defense Forces in the area. City Assembly Chair Nishino Kazuo stressed, “No more military bases in Uruma City!”

- Akahata, March 26, 2010