TOKYO, The head of three cities in one region of the island of Japan reportedly informed U.S. military bases, Wednesday (15/4/2010) they will write a letter to President Barack Obama to say their rejection of government plans. Center of the dispute is about their government’s decision to review the agreement in 2006, to move the Marine Corps Air Base in Funtenma, Okinawa, from residential areas to the coast is more isolated, on the island.
Media reported that the Japanese government plans to move the base to Tokunoshima, an island in Kagoshima prefecture, in northern Okinawa. The government did not confirm those reports, but Takunoshima residents have voiced opposition to the plan, with about 4000 people to do demonstrations to protest the plan last month.
“All three mayors Tokunoshima, which if added together to reach approximately 27,000 residents, is now preparing a letter to be sent to the President of the United States, Barack Obama,” said one of the three mayor, Akira Okubo. The draft letter said: “We, all inhabitants of the island, protesting against the relocation of an air base to Tokunoshima. Subtropical island and we are still rich with the natural environment,” wrote the mayor.
“We still love to live in this beautiful Tokunoshima, as now, and for future generations.” The island is part of the Amami Islands, which is considered important strategically positioned as the place closest to North Korea and the Taiwan Strait – both are potentially vulnerable who need the U.S. military deployment.
Third mayor is also preparing another protest, namely the demonstration on Sunday, which they said would involve about 10,000 residents. “We will also send photos of the demonstration was to President Obama,” said Okubo. Prime Minister of Japan, Yukio Hatoyama, has been struggling for months to find a solution that will satisfy the people of Okinawa island, part of Japan’s southernmost prefecture, and demands that U.S. security, the importance of allies.
Hatoyama said in Washington, he had promised Obama will solve the dispute over the base in late May, despite the fact that the people of Okinawa has long been angered by the presence of many U.S. military.
Japanese media speculate, Hatoyama may resign if he failed to resolve the dispute, before the time-limit which he set out. Obama’s government insisted on the relocation plan in 2006, but has also promised to consider a counter proposal. However, some U.S. acting privately voiced exasperation at what they regard as the Japanese government indecision.
Santosamaru 