April 12, 2010
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Japan's top government spokesman says it would be difficult to relocate the US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station outside of Japan.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirofumi Hirano made the comment at a news conference after meeting with Okinawa Prefectural Assembly Speaker Zenshin Takamine in Tokyo on Monday.
Hirano said that Takamine asked the government to consider moving the US base out of Okinawa.
Hirano said he told Takamine that the government is working on a plan to transfer the functions of the base to other locations within Japan.He said the plan proposed by Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama is aimed at reducing the burden on the people of Okinawa and eliminating the risks involved in hosting such a base.
Hirano said he asked the Okinawa Assembly chief for his understanding of the government's position.
The Chief Cabinet Secretary also said that Takamine spoke about a plan to relocate the Futenma base to Saipan, Tinian or other islands in the Northern Marianas -- a Pacific commonwealth administered by the US.
Hirano said it is difficult for the government to consider such a proposal at a time when its efforts are focused on easing the burden and the risks for the people of Okinawa.
2010/04/12 14:35(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)
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