Sengoku: Marine transfer to Guam should end by 2014

July 28, 2010

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku says Japan will proceed with a plan to relocate US Marines from Okinawa to Guam by 2014, as is called for under an agreement with the US government.

Sengoku told reporters on Wednesday the Japanese government has not received any notice whatsoever from the US that it has given up on the 2014 deadline for relocating 8,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam.

Sengoku said there could be some delay, but that Japan will proceed with the plan as was promised under a bilateral agreement.

In prepared remarks before the US House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, US Assistant Secretary of the Navy Jackalyne Pfannensteil said the Defense Department expects the planned relocation of Marines from Okinawa to Guam to be delayed beyond the current target of 2014.

She cited the potential impact of a sudden population growth on Guam's infrastructure and resources and Guam must deal with environmental compliance of its utilities, better roadways, and health care.

2010/07/28 18:34(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)