Tinian option appeals to Japanese panel

Tinian option appeals to Japanese panel

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:30
by Mar-Vic Cagurangan | Variety News Staff

AFTER getting a clear sense that Guam already has too much on its plate, the Japanese delegation led by Diet member Mikio Shimijo has determined that Tinian would be a possible site for the relocation of some troops from Okinawa, according to a report by Starts and Stripes.

“It was very encouraging,” Shimoji said in a telephone interview with Stars and Stripes upon his return to Tokyo on Thursday last. “While Okinawa will continue to host military bases, risk-sharing is important.”

Members of the Diet, who toured military bases on island and met with Guam and CNMI officials, were presented a resolution passed by the Guam legislature seeking a reevaluation of the current plan for the massive military buildup on Guam.

Shimoji said the panel will relay the resolution to Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, along with Guam Gov. Felix Camacho’s statement that Guam could not handle any more than the 8,000 Marines already scheduled to transfer to the island, Stars and Stripes reported.

Shimoji said he pledged to be a voice for Guam in the Japanese Diet, the article stated.

“Besides the Marines and their families from Okinawa, Guam is expected to accept thousands more,” he said, indicating the island’s population will bulge with construction workers and other personnel to support the buildup. “Under those circumstances, it is not appropriate to add further troops to Guam.”