Guam - Japanese media are reporting the U.S. is asking for more money for the Marines' relocation from Okinawa to Guam, reportedly to go toward covering some of the expenses to construct military-related facilities here. The additional financial burden reportedly is expected to amount to more than a billion dollars on top of the agreed upon $6 billion in 2006.

According to media reports Japan is showing reluctance because the amount of troops coming to Guam is expected to be reduced to about half.  Japan reportedly is also not keen to supporting suggestions that some of the marines in Okinawa be moved to Iwakuni Air Station in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Talks are ongoing between the U.S. and Japan, with a revised draft of the 2006 Realignment Roadmap expected in May.