April 15, 2010
Japan's top government spokesman has denied media reports that US President Barack Obama expressed distrust in Tokyo's ability to handle the relocation of a US base in Okinawa.
Some media reports say Obama conveyed his distrust and displeasure to Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama at an unofficial talk held during the Nuclear Summit in Washington on Monday.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirofumi Hirano told reporters on Thursday that he did not directly ask Hatoyama what Obama said. But he has heard from officials concerned that there is no basis to the media claims.Hirano then referred to a column in the Washington Post that described Hatoyama as "the biggest loser of the summit" because he was granted just a brief unofficial meeting with Obama.
The chief spokesman said the article seemed rude to Hatoyama. He said that talks with leaders from other countries are crucial, so even a 10-minute discussion is worthwhile.
Hirano said he agrees with Hatoyama that the deadline for the relocation of the Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa should be concluded by the end of May.
2010/04/15 21:01(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)
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