Tokyo: Japan`s Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama
said today he wants to "be flexible" in handling the
controversial relocation of a US military base on the southern
island of Okinawa.
He hinted at leaving the door open to a compromise over
the row a day before US Defence Secretary Robert Gates was to
make the highest level visit from Washington since Hatoyama
took office in September.
Japan and the United States in 2006 agreed to move the US
Marine Corps Futenma Air Base from an urban to a coastal area
of Okinawa by 2014, but Hatoyama has recently said he wants
the base moved off the island.
The US military presence on Okinawa has long angered
residents because of aircraft noise and the risk of accidents,
and crimes committed by US service personnel have caused
friction with the local community.
Asked whether he was ready to accept any fresh US offer
over the issue, Hatoyama told reporters: "It is important for
both of us to be flexible."
An unnamed US defence official earlier suggested
Washington would accept minor adjustments to the relocation
plan, such as building runways further offshore, according to
Jiji Press and other Japanese media.
Commenting on the news reports, Chief Cabinet Secretary
Hirofumi Hirano echoed the prime minister and said, "It`s
important for Japan and the United States to handle the issue
flexibly."
Bureau Report
