NAHA, Okinawa Pref. (Kyodo) Prime Minister Naoto Kan on Saturday inspected for the first time U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, but there was no tangible progress in reaching a compromise with local authorities on its relocation.
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Kan also viewed from the air the base's proposed relocation site on the island's northeast coast, as well as other facilities, including U.S. Kadena Air Base and land south of it that is slated for return to Japan.
Local opposition to the relocation plan remains strong, partly because Kan's predecessor, Yukio Hatoyama, raised hopes Futenma would be moved out of the prefecture.
"Although there are many differences of opinion, this visit has enabled me to discuss the issue going forward in a courteous way," Kan said at a news conference after completing a two-day trip to the prefecture.
He sought the public's understanding and support for the planned relocation of the base from a densely populated area in Ginowan to a less crowded coastal area in Nago, saying it is the most viable approach for the time being and will help reduce the base-hosting burden on Okinawa.
Kan also said it is important for Japan to deepen its alliance with the United States, even though there are unresolved problems regarding the base's relocation.
"I want to visit the United States by the middle of next year . . . and realize the release of a joint statement (on the bilateral security alliance)," Kan said.
Although the security alliance marked its 50th anniversary this year, Tokyo and Washington were not able to issue a joint statement as earlier planned, as negotiations on Futenma's relocation created tensions in Japan-U.S. relations. An agreement was eventually reached May 28.
Kan said Futenma should not be the sole focus of attention when discussing the alliance's future, hinting that a statement may be prepared even if there is no progress on relocating the base.
The trip came at a time when he is finding it difficult to deal with a host of issues, from winning support in Okinawa for the relocation to preventing his Democratic Party of Japan from rupturing over a power struggle involving former DPJ chief Ichiro Ozawa.
It was Kan's second trip to the prefecture since taking office in June. Okinawa hosts the bulk of U.S. forces stationed in Japan.
Before flying back to Tokyo, he held talks with the top U.S. military official on the island, Okinawa Area Coordinator Lt. Gen. Terry Robling.
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