Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Japan Defense Minister Snubs Guam Legislature

Japan Defense Minister Snubs Guam Legislature

Guam - While Japanese Defense Minister Itoshimi Kitizawa did pay a visit to the governor he did not pay a visit to the legislature.

Speaker Judi Wonpat says her office has been in contact with the Japanese consulate for several days now but has not been able to get face time with Kitizawa. The Speaker says she's disappointed that the legislature wasn't paid a visit especially considering the fact that the Japanese official would be a good person to talk to regarding the impacts U.S. militarization has had on Okinawa.

Senator Judi Guthertz who chairs the committee on the military buildup is also disappointed that Kitizawa did not make time for the legislature. Guthertz says that while it's good that he paid a visit to the executive branch he should've made it a point to pay a visit to the legislative branch as well.

Both Wonpat and Guthertz say it is important for the legislature to be included in these types of visits because they will ultimately play a large role in how Guam funds and deals with the military buildup.

Written by :
Clynt Ridgell

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