Apr 21 03:22 AM US/Eastern
TOKYO, April 21 (AP) - (Kyodo) — Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said Wednesday he places priority on removing the dangers posed by a U.S. Marine base in Okinawa Prefecture to the residents nearby.
Hatoyama said his government will make maximum efforts in relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futemma Air Station in the crowded city of Ginowan, so that they would eventually lead to the return of the base site to the Japanese side.
Hatoyama made the remarks during a one-on-one debate with main opposition Liberal Democratic Party President Sadakazu Tanigaki at the Diet in the afternoon.
On an idea Hatoyama says he has regarding where to move the Futemma base, he said he cannot disclose it yet, saying, "It would trouble (a potential relocation host) even if we tell them that (the relocation) will be made this way, without the U.S. side having shown understanding of it."
He also apologized to the residents of Tokunoshima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture which the government is reportedly eyeing as a possible relocation site for the Futemma base, for creating concern while Tokyo has yet to make an official announcement.
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