| Japan in dilemma over US bases before Obama’s visit |
TOKYO Japan struggled with the touchy issue of reorganising US military bases on the southern island of Okinawa on Wednesday, just a week ahead of US President Barack Obama’s first visit to Japan as leader.
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada cancelled a last-minute trip to Washington meant to smooth ties ruffled by a feud over bases, blaming his busy schedule, while Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama came under fire in parliament for his handling of the relationship, the core of security arrangements in the region.
US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell was due to meet Okada on Thursday, but it remained unclear whether a way could be found to keep the feud from spoiling Obama’s visit.
Hatoyama has pledged to build a more equal relationship with the United States and review bilateral security agreements, sparking concern among investors about the alliance.
He said before his August election victory that the Futenma US Marine base should be moved off the island. But Washington wants to push ahead with a 2006 plan to relocate it to a less heavily populated part of Okinawa.
Okada spelled out the dilemma facing the new government.
“We think that it is necessary to move things forward while accepting the feelings of the people in Okinawa,” he said in response to a question in parliament. “But, while we will respect the feelings of the people of Okinawa, this issue is also about the Japan-US security alliance, which is relevant to the entire country. This gap is what always becomes the big problem,” he added.
Reuters
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