Ozawa calls for construction of Japan-US relationship in which "discussions can take place on an equal footing"

Democratic Party of Japan

On July 15, DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa held a press conference in Naha city following his inspection visit to Camp Zukeran and Futenma Airbase, and criticised the current Japanese government for their inability to carry out discussions on an equal footing regarding the issue of US bases in Japan.

During the press conference, Ozawa commented on the current condition of Futenma base, in comparison to his impressions on previous visits, pointing out the problem that, "Even more than previously, residential areas are spreading right up close to the base." He added, "I think that local people have a variety of requests, and the most important thing is that their will is reflected [in discussions]", but pointed out "the base issue is not the only problem existing between Japan and the US."

Ozawa said that on this point, he had heard from local residents faced with the base issue, that despite the fact that local residents were quite open to promoting understanding of the issue, "the government had made no efforts to speak with the US on their behalf". He added, "The fact that Japan lacks a clear national security [strategy] and global policy is also a huge problem" and repeated his opinion that "If the Japan-US relationship is to be called an alliance, it must be a relationship in which discussions can take place on a proper equal footing." Ozawa also pointed out that "The biggest problem is that although [the government] could proceed with discussions so that the outcome can be made even a little more palatable to local residents, they cannot even broach such topics with the US."

In response to a question regarding the drafting of an Okinawa Vision, Ozawa pointed out, "We must consider this while taking the wishes and opinions of the people of Okinawa prefecture into consideration." He mentioned the importance of "reducing the burden of the bases on Okinawa as much as possible, as well as stabilising the Okinawan way of life", emphasising his determination to work on the problems of the division of roles between Japan and the US and on the regional development of Okinawa. Ozawa also expressed his concern regarding "a Japan-US relationship where Japan is only a follower" and said the government should not "simply create the appearance of making a big furore�cbasically it is important to have a clear direction and policy for the route that Japan should take."

(06/07/15)

http://dpjweb.net24.ne.jp/english/news/060719/02.html