In policy speech, Abe says government will proceed with Henoko relocation “in accordance with Supreme Court ruling”
January 20, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo Digital Edition(Tokyo) On the afternoon of January 20, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gave his policy speech to the plenary session of the House of Representatives. Regarding the construction of a new base in Henoko, Nago City in conjunction with the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Abe emphasized, “in accordance with the Supreme Court’s ruling, we will proceed with relocation work off the coast of Henoko, Nago City.” Abe also stated, “In the past, it was said that the base should be relocated ‘at least’ outside of Okinawa, but this did not pan out, and all that was left was disappointment. No amount of bold assertions can change reality in the slightest. We will move forward with what is necessary. We will produce results.” Abe’s comments referred to the Democratic Party of Japan administration in 2009 and made his position of promoting the new base construction clearer than ever.
In addition, Abe’s speech promoted strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance, but also emphasized measures the government has taken to reduce the base burden on Okinawa, such as the return of part of the Northern Training Area and the execution of a supplemental agreement to the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) clarifying the scope of U.S. military-related persons who have SOFA status.
In relation to Okinawa revitalization, Abe said, “Okinawa is a bridge to Asia. It is our country’s gateway to tourism and distribution.” He expressed his intention to support improvements to the New Ishigaki Airport, which is being used by an increasing number of tourists from overseas, so that it can handle larger aircraft.
(English translation by T&CT and Sandi Aritza)
Go to Japanese
「最高裁判決に従い、進める」 安倍首相、辺野古建設推進を強調 施政方針演説
琉球新報 2017年1月20日 14:28
【東京】安倍晋三首相は２２日午後、衆院本会議で施政方針演説を行い、米軍普天間飛行場の移設に伴う名護市辺野古の新基地移設について「最高裁判決に従い、名護市辺野古沖への移設工事を進める」などと強調した。「かつて『最低でも』と言ったことすら実現せず、失望だけが残った。威勢のよい言葉だけ並べても、現実が１ミリも変わらない。必要なことは実行だ。結果を出すことだ」とも述べ、民主党政権を引き合いに出した上で、新基地建設推進の姿勢をより鮮明にした形となった。
そのほか日米同盟の強化を掲げつつ、北部訓練場の返還や日米地位協定で身分が保障される軍属の範囲を明確化する「補足協定」の締結など基地負担軽減策を強調した。
沖縄振興の関連では「沖縄はアジアの懸け橋。わが国の観光や物流のゲートウェイだ」などと言及し、外国人観光客が増加する新石垣空港の機材大型化に向けた施設整備を支援する考えを示した。【琉球新報電子版】
