Japanese protest US base plan

Japan: Thousands protested Saturday in Kagoshima against the Japanese Governmen’s proposal to transfer part of the functions of a US base in Okinawa to the island of Tokunoshima.

According to information received in Tokyo, the five thousand protesters opposed to Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama´s plan which included the three mayors of the island, which belongs to Kagoshima prefecture.

The Head of Government is trying to solve a problem that started after he promised to revised a pact with the United Stats to alleviate the burden the presence of the US force represents for the local population.

Under the plan agreed in 2006, Futenma base must be transferred from Ginowan to Nagon, both in Okinawa.

The amendment to the original document is strongly rejected among the locals, witnessed in recent demonstrations in which they urged Hatoyama to keep his promise of taking out the installation from the territory.

The Prime Minister announced he would make a decision on this issue by the end of May, as tension escalates in relations with the White House, which insists on respecting the agreement.

Hatoyama travelled to Okinawa Tuesday to solicit support for the idea that some functions of Futenma remain there. Prefecture Governor Hirokazu Nakaima is also among the opponents.

It is hoped that Yukio Hatoyama may visit again the territory for the same purpose on May 15, as the country marks the 38th anniversary of the return of Okinawa to Japan, previously controlled by the United States, which concentrates its military presence in the island.

Tokyo, Prensa Latina