2008/05/31 23:42Japan's Defense Minister has notified the US Defense Secretary of domestic criticism, regarding the high cost that must be shouldered by Japanese taxpayers in order to relocate US Marines from Okinawa to Guam.
In a meeting with Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Singapore on Saturday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the realignment of US forces in Japan should take place as scheduled. Gates said all issues, including those of Okinawa and Guam, are related and essential.
Ishiba agreed, but asked the United States to provide detailed information on the expenses to be borne by Japanese taxpayers, which have invited criticism and concern for being far too high.
Ishiba said the issue has attracted attention in the Diet, and he needs to remain accountable to the people.
Gates acknowledged that the budget issue requires detailed explanation and expressed his intention to fully cooperate on this matter.
Posts
