Thursday, December 10, 2009

Trying To Find Common Ground For U.S. Forces On Okinawa

Holding up a broader plan to reorganize U.S. troops in Japan is a plan to build a new helicopter facility in northern Okinawa to take over some of the function of the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, pictured. Getty Images

Japan To Give U.S. A Plan On Air Base -- New York Times

TOKYO — Japan’s prime minister, Yukio Hatoyama, said Wednesday that he wanted to present concrete proposals to President Obama next week in hopes of ending a growing rift between his new government and Washington over an American military air base in Okinawa.

Mr. Hatoyama did not disclose the content of the proposals, which he and members of his cabinet appeared to be still working out at the prime minister’s residence. Mr. Hatoyama said he may seek a meeting with Mr. Obama during the climate change conference in Copenhagen to relay the proposals directly to him.

Read more ....

More News On U.S. - Japan Discussions On Okinawa

Japan to give US base relocation plan next week -- AP
Okinawa Plan May Be Late -- Wall Street Journal
Japanese Defense Minister Kitazawa Thinks Guam Is "Suitable" For Troop Relocation -- Pacific News Center
Postponement of decision on Futenma relocation casts shadow over Japan-U.S. alliance -- Mainichi Daily News

My Comment: The U.S. is now caught in Japanese politics and campaign promises. A lose - lose situation in my book.

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