Futenma base renovation means perpetuation of US forces in Okinawa
March 9, 2012
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2012 March 7 - 13 [OKINAWA]
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Foreign Minister Genba Koichiro on March 6 announced the government’s official recognition of the need to have the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station renovated in Futenma City, Okinawa.
The renovation plan is for the U.S. forces to strengthen its functions at the base. This is, in essence, a threat to people in Okinawa that the Futenma base will remain indefinitely as long as they do not accept the construction of a new base in the Henoko district of Nago City as an alternative to the Futenma Marine Corps base.
By accepting the renovation plan and indicating that Japan will pay for part of the cost for renovations, the foreign minister is ignoring Okinawans’ demand for the immediate closure and return of the site of the Futenma base, which is often described as the most intrusive and dangerous military base for nearby residents in the world.
Genba stated that leaving the base as old as it is could lead to exposing residents to dangerous situations. However, as Defense Minister Tanaka Naoki said, the aim of the renovation is to secure the safety of U.S. aircraft stationed at the base.
The Futenma base would be in violation of U.S. domestic law which requires a “clear zone” around military bases without civilian residences and infrastructure. In Ginowan City, however, 18 elemental schools, hospitals, and daycare centers, as well as 800 housing units and houses for about 3,600 residents are located within what would be designated as a clear zone in the U.S.
The Japan and U.S. governments on February 8 jointly announced that the construction of a new base in Henoko is the only effective option for the relocation of the Futenma base. By sticking to the relocation plan and promoting the Futenma renovation, the Japanese government is assisting the U.S. to keep its troops in Japan. What it should do is to respond to the local demand and give up the new base construction plan.
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