Japan accepts relocation of Futenma air base
Japan has accepted the relocation of a United States base within Okinawa. According to wire reports, Prime Minister Yuko Hatoyama said Japan will relocate the military base within Okinawa to Cape Henoko, overriding local opposition and resolving an eight-month dispute with the Obama Administration.
By KUAM NewsGuam - Japan has accepted the relocation of a United States base within Okinawa. According to wire reports, Prime Minister Yuko Hatoyama said Japan will relocate the military base within Okinawa to Cape Henoko, overriding local opposition and resolving an eight-month dispute with the Obama Administration.
Hatoyama is reversing a campaign pledge to break a 2006 U.S. and Japan agreement and transfer the Futenma Marine air base off Okinawa. According to Hatoyama, there is no choice but to ask the base to be moved to Henoko. The U.S. has pushed Japan to uphold the 2006 agreement to move Futenma within Okinawa as part of a $10.3 billion plan that would transfer 8,000 Marines to Guam.
The two sides are expected to release a joint agreement on relocating Futenma on May 28. Under the original agreement, helicopter units would be moved to new facilities at Henoko and the runway will be built on reclaimed land.