Sen. Webb open to options on Okinawa base dispute
By Malcolm Foster, The Associated Press
Pacific edition, Wednesday, February 17, 2010
TOKYO — A member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee said Monday he's open to hearing options on how to resolve a dispute over the relocation of a controversial U.S. Marine base on the Japanese island of Okinawa.
Starting a weeklong tour in Japan and Guam, Sen. Jim Webb also called Toyota's recent recall problems — the subject of two congressional hearings next week — a "business issue" that wouldn't affect political ties between Japan and the United States.
U.S.-Japan relations have soured after the new Tokyo government put on hold a plan to move Futenma Marine airfield on the southern island of Okinawa — part of a broader 2006 agreement with Washington to reorganize the 47,000 U.S. troops in Japan — because of local opposition.
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who swept into power after last August's elections, has said he will make a decision on Futenma by May.
Webb, who has made numerous visits to Okinawa over the last 40 years, first as a Marine during the Vietnam War and later as a U.S. defense planner and government official, said the main purpose of his visit was to listen to the views of the Japanese government and people of Okinawa, where many resent the heavy U.S. military presence.
"There could be a number of practical options," Webb said about ways to resolve the Futenma issue. "I don't want to outline those options today because I don't want to cut short the discussions that we're going to have."
Webb, a Democrat who represents Virginia, said a solution needed to be found quickly "on the Futenma issue for the well-being of the citizens in that area."
"I am open to listening to all suggestions from the Japanese government and also the people of Okinawa," he told journalists at a news conference.
Last year, Webb made a high-profile trip to Myanmar to negotiate the release of American John Yettaw, who was arrested and sentenced to seven years in prison after he had sneaked into the home of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Obama administration has insisted the Hatoyama government proceed with the 2006 plan to move Futenma to Nago, a city in a less crowded, northern part of Okinawa that recently elected an anti-base mayor.
Webb said he did not recommend moving Futema's facilities outside of Okinawa, as many local residents want, but he also suggested he didn't necessarily support the Obama's administration's position.
"We're not a parliamentary system, so I am not obligated to support the administration in a specific way," he said.
Webb, who is also chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on East Asia, met with Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada later Monday.
Making his first trip to Japan since Hatoyama came to office in September, Webb said he didn't believe that U.S.-Japan ties had been weakened by the change in government in Tokyo, and stressed that Japan was Washington's most important ally in the region.
He also defended the U.S. military presence in Japan and the importance of having Marines based in Okinawa.
"I would ask you to consider what the stability of this region would look like if suddenly (the U.S.) were to withdraw its military from its bases in Japan, what temptations might follow that," he said.
Webb briefly touched on Japanese family law that gives only one parent — nearly always the mother — custody of children in cases of divorce. That has left many divorced American fathers from seeing their children in Japan.
The issue has become increasingly important in Washington. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell last month warned that if Japan doesn't address the problem it risks hurting ties with the U.S.
Webb said he hoped Japan's Ministry of Justice would work to arrange "proper custody arrangements" and that it could "be resolved through harmony between the two governments rather than bringing a big stick."
Showing posts with label Webb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Webb. Show all posts
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Senators to meet with Webb
Senators to meet with Webb
Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:29
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
SENATOR Jim Webb from Virginia, who is on a weeklong tour of Japan and Guam, will meet with Guam lawmakers on Thursday.
In Japan, Webb said he was open to hearing options on how to resolve the dispute over the relocation of the Futenma Marine air base in Okinawa.
The situation has become a contentious issue with the U.S. government and the new Japanese government, which has put a hold on plans to move Futenma air base on Nago, the southern island of Okinawa.
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has said he will make a decision on Futenma by May.
Speaker Judi Won Pat said lawmakers will share with Webb their concerns regarding the draft environmental impact statement, as well as the U.S. not providing any funding to assist Guam in preparing for the military buildup which includes strengthening its infrastructure, the building of new schools to mitigate the already overcrowded facilities, the U.S. proposed firing range, the dredging of Apra Harbor, eminent domain, and the true overall sentiments of the people regarding the buildup.
Won Pat said with the recent fact-finding mission by a Japanese delegation to Guam, Japanese officials now have a clear picture of the reality of the buildup and the financial burden the government of Guam must carry. Won Pat said she was assured by Diet members that the information gathered will be carried back to Japan and told.
Won Pat said she hopes Webb will be open to lawmakers’ concerns and that he too will bring back these issues to his colleagues in Washington.
Webb has traveled to Okinawa in the last 40 years, first as a Marine during the Vietnam War and later as a U.S. defense planner and government official. He is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:29
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
SENATOR Jim Webb from Virginia, who is on a weeklong tour of Japan and Guam, will meet with Guam lawmakers on Thursday.
In Japan, Webb said he was open to hearing options on how to resolve the dispute over the relocation of the Futenma Marine air base in Okinawa.
The situation has become a contentious issue with the U.S. government and the new Japanese government, which has put a hold on plans to move Futenma air base on Nago, the southern island of Okinawa.
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has said he will make a decision on Futenma by May.
Speaker Judi Won Pat said lawmakers will share with Webb their concerns regarding the draft environmental impact statement, as well as the U.S. not providing any funding to assist Guam in preparing for the military buildup which includes strengthening its infrastructure, the building of new schools to mitigate the already overcrowded facilities, the U.S. proposed firing range, the dredging of Apra Harbor, eminent domain, and the true overall sentiments of the people regarding the buildup.
Won Pat said with the recent fact-finding mission by a Japanese delegation to Guam, Japanese officials now have a clear picture of the reality of the buildup and the financial burden the government of Guam must carry. Won Pat said she was assured by Diet members that the information gathered will be carried back to Japan and told.
Won Pat said she hopes Webb will be open to lawmakers’ concerns and that he too will bring back these issues to his colleagues in Washington.
Webb has traveled to Okinawa in the last 40 years, first as a Marine during the Vietnam War and later as a U.S. defense planner and government official. He is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee.
Webb says relocation should go ahead as planned
Webb says relocation should go ahead as planned
2010/02/16 18:43(JST)
A visiting US senator says the relocation of the US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station in Okinawa should be implemented as planned as part of the US military realignment scheme.
Jim Webb, who chairs the East Asia and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, on Tuesday met with Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima.
Webb expressed appreciation for the contribution Okinawa is making to the bilateral effort to maintain security.
Pointing out that the Futenma base is located in a densely populated area, Webb said the need now is to move it out of the present site to ensure resident safety.
He said he hopes that the US military realignment scheme be implemented as planned, including the relocation of the Futenma base to Nago City, also in Okinawa.
Nakaima responded to Webb by stating that Okinawa will wait for the government and governing parties to come up with an alternative site for the relocation by May.
2010/02/16 18:43(JST)
A visiting US senator says the relocation of the US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station in Okinawa should be implemented as planned as part of the US military realignment scheme.
Jim Webb, who chairs the East Asia and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, on Tuesday met with Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima.
Webb expressed appreciation for the contribution Okinawa is making to the bilateral effort to maintain security.
Pointing out that the Futenma base is located in a densely populated area, Webb said the need now is to move it out of the present site to ensure resident safety.
He said he hopes that the US military realignment scheme be implemented as planned, including the relocation of the Futenma base to Nago City, also in Okinawa.
Nakaima responded to Webb by stating that Okinawa will wait for the government and governing parties to come up with an alternative site for the relocation by May.
PNC :: Senator Webb to Meet with Senators
PNC :: Senator Webb to Meet with Senators
Monday, 15 February 2010
Guam - Senator Webb will meet with local lawmakers Thursday morning at 11am.
Speaker Judi Wonpat sent a request to the senator who is coming to Guam from Japan. Webb is visiting this region mostly because of the U.S./Japan defense realignment agreement that will bring 8,000 marines and their dependents to Guam from Okinawa. Speaker Judi Wonpat says she hopes that Webb will have enough time to listen to all of the senators' concerns.
The speaker says it is important to meet with U.S. Senators about Guam's financial needs as a result of the military buildup because they are the ones who hold the purse strings.
Written by : Clynt Ridgell
Monday, 15 February 2010
Guam - Senator Webb will meet with local lawmakers Thursday morning at 11am.
Speaker Judi Wonpat sent a request to the senator who is coming to Guam from Japan. Webb is visiting this region mostly because of the U.S./Japan defense realignment agreement that will bring 8,000 marines and their dependents to Guam from Okinawa. Speaker Judi Wonpat says she hopes that Webb will have enough time to listen to all of the senators' concerns.
The speaker says it is important to meet with U.S. Senators about Guam's financial needs as a result of the military buildup because they are the ones who hold the purse strings.
Written by : Clynt Ridgell
Webb in Japan, will visit Guam next
Webb in Japan, will visit Guam next
Posted: Feb 16, 2010 2:26 PM
Updated: Feb 16, 2010 2:26 PM
by Heather Hauswirth
Guam - Virginia senator Jim Webb says he's listening to the views of Japanese leaders and citizens on how to maintain that country's relationship with the United States. Webb met with Japanese media yesterday as he visits Tokyo and Okinawa before coming to Guam.
The U.S. is hoping to settle the contentious issue of the relocation of the Futenma air base. Webb will be on Guam on Thursday and will briefly meet with lawmakers.
Speaker Judi Won Pat says she and her colleagues will only have about two minutes each, adding, "I'm glad to hear that he is going to listen because I know that from his time in terms where his schooling, involvement in the Vietnam War and also his involvement as a senator and as a liaison for Guam that the man is used to taking charge but I think in this case, it'll be a little bit different. We're hoping that he'll listen."
Webb is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and will meet with lawmakers and the governor as well as military officials.
Posted: Feb 16, 2010 2:26 PM
Updated: Feb 16, 2010 2:26 PM
by Heather Hauswirth
Guam - Virginia senator Jim Webb says he's listening to the views of Japanese leaders and citizens on how to maintain that country's relationship with the United States. Webb met with Japanese media yesterday as he visits Tokyo and Okinawa before coming to Guam.
The U.S. is hoping to settle the contentious issue of the relocation of the Futenma air base. Webb will be on Guam on Thursday and will briefly meet with lawmakers.
Speaker Judi Won Pat says she and her colleagues will only have about two minutes each, adding, "I'm glad to hear that he is going to listen because I know that from his time in terms where his schooling, involvement in the Vietnam War and also his involvement as a senator and as a liaison for Guam that the man is used to taking charge but I think in this case, it'll be a little bit different. We're hoping that he'll listen."
Webb is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and will meet with lawmakers and the governor as well as military officials.
Kitazawa says relocation plan be ready by May
Kitazawa says relocation plan be ready by May
2010/02/15 20:44(JST)
Japan's Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa told a visiting senior US lawmaker that Japan will decide on the relocation of the US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station in Okinawa by May, in a manner acceptable to the United States.
Kitazawa met US Senator Jim Webb on Monday at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo. Webb chairs the East Asia and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Webb said the United States understands the need to reduce excessive burden that US bases impose on Okinawa.
He also stressed the need for the public to understand the shared security interest in maintaining the bilateral alliance, and the importance of the US military presence in preserving stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Kitazawa replied that the Hatoyama administration will reach a conclusion by the end of May. He said he hopes to arrive at the best possible conclusion in the limited time period.
Earlier in the day, Webb met with Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada and said Japan-US relations are firm enough to overcome any difficulties that may arise between the 2 countries.
Webb added he is confident that the United States can look forward to a conclusion from Japan that will be favorable to both nations.
2010/02/15 20:44(JST)
Japan's Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa told a visiting senior US lawmaker that Japan will decide on the relocation of the US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station in Okinawa by May, in a manner acceptable to the United States.
Kitazawa met US Senator Jim Webb on Monday at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo. Webb chairs the East Asia and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Webb said the United States understands the need to reduce excessive burden that US bases impose on Okinawa.
He also stressed the need for the public to understand the shared security interest in maintaining the bilateral alliance, and the importance of the US military presence in preserving stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Kitazawa replied that the Hatoyama administration will reach a conclusion by the end of May. He said he hopes to arrive at the best possible conclusion in the limited time period.
Earlier in the day, Webb met with Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada and said Japan-US relations are firm enough to overcome any difficulties that may arise between the 2 countries.
Webb added he is confident that the United States can look forward to a conclusion from Japan that will be favorable to both nations.
U.S. senator open to suggestions from Japan on military base issue
U.S. senator open to suggestions from Japan on military base issue
Feb 15 06:19 AM US/Eastern
(AP) - TOKYO, Feb. 15 (Kyodo) — Visiting U.S. Sen. Jim Webb said Monday he is "open to listening to all the suggestions" from the Japanese government on the issue of where to relocate a U.S. military airfield in the southernmost Japanese prefecture of Okinawa.
The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs also said there could be "a number of practical options" on the issue, but noted he has no intention to recommend that the functions of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futemma Air Station be relocated outside of Okinawa.
"There are ways that the American military could be readjusted, but they also have to be able to perform their mission," Webb, who spent time on Okinawa as a U.S. Marine during the Vietnam War and revisited the island in the 1970s as a defense planner, said at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo.
Following a historic change of government in September, the new Japanese government and the ruling parties are exploring an alternative to an existing plan agreed on between Tokyo and Washington in 2006 to move the Futemma facility in Ginowan to a less densely populated city in Okinawa.
The two junior coalition partners in the Democratic Party of Japan-led government are set to present their relocation proposals Wednesday to a government committee that is considering the issue, which are likely to include Guam or an idea to integrate the Futemma functions with the nearby U.S. Kadena Air Base in Okinawa.
But prospects remain unclear on whether the proposals would lead the Japanese government to settle the issue by the end of May as it has pledged, given that both ideas have been floated in the past but have been seen as difficult to realize.
Webb did not elaborate on what he called "practical options," but added, "I do believe that we must find a solution on the Futemma issue for the well-being of the citizens in that area."
"And I am open to listening to all the suggestions from the Japanese government and also from the people of Okinawa," he said, while noting that the base issue should be resolved in a way that both Japan and the United States "feel comfortable."
The United States has pressed Japan to implement the existing relocation plan on the grounds that it is the only viable option. The Futemma relocation is part of a broader 2006 bilateral agreement on the reconfiguration of U.S. forces in Japan, which took years to reach.
Separately, Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada told Webb in a meeting at the Foreign Ministry that the Japanese government would like to hold discussions with the U.S. government on the Futemma issue before reaching a conclusion in May, according to the ministry's press release.
Webb was quoted as telling Okada that the Japan-U.S. ties are strong enough to overcome specific problems and that he believes the conclusion on the issue, no matter what it may be, would be desirable for both countries, it said.
During his visit to Japan, Webb also plans to go to Okinawa. He will also visit Guam, where the transfer of about 8,000 Marines from Okinawa is planned under the 2006 Japan-U.S. agreement.
Touching on the issue of massive Toyota vehicle recalls, Webb said at the Japan National Press Club that it is a "business issue" and would not affect the bilateral ties from a political viewpoint.
Feb 15 06:19 AM US/Eastern
(AP) - TOKYO, Feb. 15 (Kyodo) — Visiting U.S. Sen. Jim Webb said Monday he is "open to listening to all the suggestions" from the Japanese government on the issue of where to relocate a U.S. military airfield in the southernmost Japanese prefecture of Okinawa.
The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs also said there could be "a number of practical options" on the issue, but noted he has no intention to recommend that the functions of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futemma Air Station be relocated outside of Okinawa.
"There are ways that the American military could be readjusted, but they also have to be able to perform their mission," Webb, who spent time on Okinawa as a U.S. Marine during the Vietnam War and revisited the island in the 1970s as a defense planner, said at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo.
Following a historic change of government in September, the new Japanese government and the ruling parties are exploring an alternative to an existing plan agreed on between Tokyo and Washington in 2006 to move the Futemma facility in Ginowan to a less densely populated city in Okinawa.
The two junior coalition partners in the Democratic Party of Japan-led government are set to present their relocation proposals Wednesday to a government committee that is considering the issue, which are likely to include Guam or an idea to integrate the Futemma functions with the nearby U.S. Kadena Air Base in Okinawa.
But prospects remain unclear on whether the proposals would lead the Japanese government to settle the issue by the end of May as it has pledged, given that both ideas have been floated in the past but have been seen as difficult to realize.
Webb did not elaborate on what he called "practical options," but added, "I do believe that we must find a solution on the Futemma issue for the well-being of the citizens in that area."
"And I am open to listening to all the suggestions from the Japanese government and also from the people of Okinawa," he said, while noting that the base issue should be resolved in a way that both Japan and the United States "feel comfortable."
The United States has pressed Japan to implement the existing relocation plan on the grounds that it is the only viable option. The Futemma relocation is part of a broader 2006 bilateral agreement on the reconfiguration of U.S. forces in Japan, which took years to reach.
Separately, Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada told Webb in a meeting at the Foreign Ministry that the Japanese government would like to hold discussions with the U.S. government on the Futemma issue before reaching a conclusion in May, according to the ministry's press release.
Webb was quoted as telling Okada that the Japan-U.S. ties are strong enough to overcome specific problems and that he believes the conclusion on the issue, no matter what it may be, would be desirable for both countries, it said.
During his visit to Japan, Webb also plans to go to Okinawa. He will also visit Guam, where the transfer of about 8,000 Marines from Okinawa is planned under the 2006 Japan-U.S. agreement.
Touching on the issue of massive Toyota vehicle recalls, Webb said at the Japan National Press Club that it is a "business issue" and would not affect the bilateral ties from a political viewpoint.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
US senator open to options on Japan base dispute
US senator open to options on Japan base dispute
By MALCOLM FOSTER
(AP) – 35 minutes ago
TOKYO — A member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee said Monday he's open to hearing options on how to resolve a dispute over the relocation of a contentious U.S. Marine base on the Japanese island of Okinawa.
Starting a weeklong tour in Japan and Guam, Sen. Jim Webb also called Toyota's recent recall problems — the subject of two congressional hearings next week — a "business issue" that wouldn't affect political ties between Japan and the United States.
U.S.-Japan relations soured after the new Tokyo government put on hold a plan to move Futenma Marine airfield on the southern island of Okinawa — part of a broader 2006 agreement with Washington to reorganize the 47,000 U.S. troops in Japan — because of local opposition.
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who swept into power last August, has said he plans to make a decision on Futenma by May.
Webb, who has made numerous visits to Okinawa over the last 40 years, first as a Marine during the Vietnam War and later as a U.S. defense planner and government official, said the main purpose of his visit was to listen to the views of the Japanese government and people of Okinawa, where many resent the heavy U.S. military presence.
"There could be a number of practical options," Webb said about ways to resolve the Futenma issue. "I don't want to outline those options today because I don't want to cut short the discussions that we're going to have."
Webb said a solution needed to be found quickly "on the Futenma issue for the well-being of the citizens in that area."
"I am open to listening to all suggestions from the Japanese government and also the people of Okinawa," he told journalists at a press conference.
The Obama administration has insisted the Hatoyama government proceed with the 2006 plan to move Futenma to Nago, a city in a less crowded part of Okinawa that recently elected an anti-base mayor.
Webb said he did not recommend moving Futema's facilities outside of Okinawa, as many local residents want, but he also suggested he didn't necessarily support the Obama's administration's position.
"We're not a parliamentary system, so I am not obligated to support the administration in a specific way," he said.
By MALCOLM FOSTER
(AP) – 35 minutes ago
TOKYO — A member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee said Monday he's open to hearing options on how to resolve a dispute over the relocation of a contentious U.S. Marine base on the Japanese island of Okinawa.
Starting a weeklong tour in Japan and Guam, Sen. Jim Webb also called Toyota's recent recall problems — the subject of two congressional hearings next week — a "business issue" that wouldn't affect political ties between Japan and the United States.
U.S.-Japan relations soured after the new Tokyo government put on hold a plan to move Futenma Marine airfield on the southern island of Okinawa — part of a broader 2006 agreement with Washington to reorganize the 47,000 U.S. troops in Japan — because of local opposition.
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who swept into power last August, has said he plans to make a decision on Futenma by May.
Webb, who has made numerous visits to Okinawa over the last 40 years, first as a Marine during the Vietnam War and later as a U.S. defense planner and government official, said the main purpose of his visit was to listen to the views of the Japanese government and people of Okinawa, where many resent the heavy U.S. military presence.
"There could be a number of practical options," Webb said about ways to resolve the Futenma issue. "I don't want to outline those options today because I don't want to cut short the discussions that we're going to have."
Webb said a solution needed to be found quickly "on the Futenma issue for the well-being of the citizens in that area."
"I am open to listening to all suggestions from the Japanese government and also the people of Okinawa," he told journalists at a press conference.
The Obama administration has insisted the Hatoyama government proceed with the 2006 plan to move Futenma to Nago, a city in a less crowded part of Okinawa that recently elected an anti-base mayor.
Webb said he did not recommend moving Futema's facilities outside of Okinawa, as many local residents want, but he also suggested he didn't necessarily support the Obama's administration's position.
"We're not a parliamentary system, so I am not obligated to support the administration in a specific way," he said.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
PNC :: U.S. Senator Jim Webb To Visit Guam
PNC :: U.S. Senator Jim Webb To Visit Guam
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Guam - U.S. Senator Jim Webb is planing a visit to Guam next week.
The Virginia Democrat will be stopping in Tokyo and Okinawa as well.
Webb chairs the Senate Committee on Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee and the Committee on Foreign Relations East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee.
A statement from Webb's office says the Senator will be seeking "solutions in an increasingly rancorous debate over a US military base on the southern island of Okinawa."
And he will "listen carefully to the views of the current Japanese government, the leaders and citizens of Okinawa and Guam and US military leaders and personnel stationed in the Pacific region." .
Webb leaves DC for Japan this Saturday.
This will be Webb's first trip to Japan since Prime Minister Hatoyama took office last summer.
Written by : Kevin Kerrigan
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Guam - U.S. Senator Jim Webb is planing a visit to Guam next week.
The Virginia Democrat will be stopping in Tokyo and Okinawa as well.
Webb chairs the Senate Committee on Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee and the Committee on Foreign Relations East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee.
A statement from Webb's office says the Senator will be seeking "solutions in an increasingly rancorous debate over a US military base on the southern island of Okinawa."
And he will "listen carefully to the views of the current Japanese government, the leaders and citizens of Okinawa and Guam and US military leaders and personnel stationed in the Pacific region." .
Webb leaves DC for Japan this Saturday.
This will be Webb's first trip to Japan since Prime Minister Hatoyama took office last summer.
Written by : Kevin Kerrigan
Vince Leon Guerrero with Ray Gibson
Vince Leon Guerrero with Ray Gibson
Interview between Ray Gibson and Vince Leon Guerrero about James Webb and the "What If Plan" he had prepared in the 1970's. Vince Leon Guerrero then talked about James Webb's history with the island of Guam. click here to download the entire podcast.
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/stories/k57podcats/feb10/100210_074023.mp3
Interview between Ray Gibson and Vince Leon Guerrero about James Webb and the "What If Plan" he had prepared in the 1970's. Vince Leon Guerrero then talked about James Webb's history with the island of Guam. click here to download the entire podcast.
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/stories/k57podcats/feb10/100210_074023.mp3
Sen B J Cruz with Ray Gibson
Sen B J Cruz with Ray Gibson
Interview between Ray Gibson and Senator B J Cruz about his suggestions to Congress Woman Bordallo on how Guam can collect tax revenues from companies doing work on the military bases during the military buildup. They also talked about the Draft EIS compilation procedures. They then talked about the wave for Bill 185. They ended their discussion by talking about US Senator Jim Webb. click here to download the entire podcast.
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/stories/k57podcasts/feb10/100210_0746334.mp3
Interview between Ray Gibson and Senator B J Cruz about his suggestions to Congress Woman Bordallo on how Guam can collect tax revenues from companies doing work on the military bases during the military buildup. They also talked about the Draft EIS compilation procedures. They then talked about the wave for Bill 185. They ended their discussion by talking about US Senator Jim Webb. click here to download the entire podcast.
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/stories/k57podcasts/feb10/100210_0746334.mp3
Dick Wyttenbach-Santos with Ray Gibson
Dick Wyttenbach-Santos with Ray Gibson
Interview between Ray Gibson and Dr Dick Wyttenbach-Santos about US Senator Jim Webb. click here to download the entire podcast.
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/stories/k57podcasts/feb10/100210_091224.mp3
Interview between Ray Gibson and Dr Dick Wyttenbach-Santos about US Senator Jim Webb. click here to download the entire podcast.
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/stories/k57podcasts/feb10/100210_091224.mp3
Virginia senator visiting Guam, Japan
Virginia senator visiting Guam, Japan
Posted: Feb 10, 2010 4:22 PM
Updated: Feb 10, 2010 6:50 PM
by Nick Delgado
Guam - Several national and international bigwigs are heading to Guam, all looking to gather more information on the military buildup. As the deadline to review the Draft Environmental Impact Statement draws near, it seems more government leaders from the U.S. and Japan are showing concern for the Marine relocation.
Guam Congressional Delegate Madeleine Bordallo today confirmed that a congressional delegation led by Virginia senator Jim Webb will be visiting Guam on February 18. Senator Webb is the chairman of the East Asia and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee in the Senate Foreign Relation Committee and a member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services. His main focus is to meet with local leaders and federal officials to provide oversight of the military buildup and the implementation of the Guam International Agreement.
Governor Felix Camacho plans to tell the senator that more attention needs to be given to the people off base, and just those behind the fence. "The message I want to convey is you must be considerate of our situation, the role we're playing and the fact that we deserve some attention on this matter," he said.
Both Speaker Judi Won Pat and committee chair on the Guam Military Buildup Senator Judi Guthertz are hopeful they will have an opportunity to meet with Webb, respectively saying, "The important thing is making sure that he gets an idea of the sentiments of the people and the idea of how the idea was drafted, the insufficient time, the many flaws that it has," and, "I will let him know that so far there has been no commitment by the federal government, or the United States Department of Defense or the united states Congress to help us prepare for this buildup properly."
While Webb's agenda is being finalized, a delegation of 23 Diet members is arriving this evening on a fact-finding mission. Led by deputy chief cabinet secretary Yorihisa Matsuno, the delegation will visit Andersen Air Force Base, NCTMS, and the Naval Base in Sumay as well as meet with Governor Camacho. The Consul General's Office confirms the group is the actual committee that was formed in the Japan government to consider alternative sites for the Futenma Replacement Facility.
Senators shared disappointment as the speaker today was informed that the Legislature's meeting with the delegation was cancelled.
Meanwhile, Camacho says he will be careful with what he has to say before anything is finalized on the buildup. "I'm going to be consistent in the message I had relayed to the secretary of defense for the government of Japan that 8,000 Marines and 9,000 dependants is sufficient. We're not necessarily open to the recommendation that everything move to Guam. We're dealing with our own efforts just on what's being proposed," he said.
The delegation leaves back to Japan late tomorrow afternoon.
Posted: Feb 10, 2010 4:22 PM
Updated: Feb 10, 2010 6:50 PM
by Nick Delgado
Guam - Several national and international bigwigs are heading to Guam, all looking to gather more information on the military buildup. As the deadline to review the Draft Environmental Impact Statement draws near, it seems more government leaders from the U.S. and Japan are showing concern for the Marine relocation.
Guam Congressional Delegate Madeleine Bordallo today confirmed that a congressional delegation led by Virginia senator Jim Webb will be visiting Guam on February 18. Senator Webb is the chairman of the East Asia and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee in the Senate Foreign Relation Committee and a member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services. His main focus is to meet with local leaders and federal officials to provide oversight of the military buildup and the implementation of the Guam International Agreement.
Governor Felix Camacho plans to tell the senator that more attention needs to be given to the people off base, and just those behind the fence. "The message I want to convey is you must be considerate of our situation, the role we're playing and the fact that we deserve some attention on this matter," he said.
Both Speaker Judi Won Pat and committee chair on the Guam Military Buildup Senator Judi Guthertz are hopeful they will have an opportunity to meet with Webb, respectively saying, "The important thing is making sure that he gets an idea of the sentiments of the people and the idea of how the idea was drafted, the insufficient time, the many flaws that it has," and, "I will let him know that so far there has been no commitment by the federal government, or the United States Department of Defense or the united states Congress to help us prepare for this buildup properly."
While Webb's agenda is being finalized, a delegation of 23 Diet members is arriving this evening on a fact-finding mission. Led by deputy chief cabinet secretary Yorihisa Matsuno, the delegation will visit Andersen Air Force Base, NCTMS, and the Naval Base in Sumay as well as meet with Governor Camacho. The Consul General's Office confirms the group is the actual committee that was formed in the Japan government to consider alternative sites for the Futenma Replacement Facility.
Senators shared disappointment as the speaker today was informed that the Legislature's meeting with the delegation was cancelled.
Meanwhile, Camacho says he will be careful with what he has to say before anything is finalized on the buildup. "I'm going to be consistent in the message I had relayed to the secretary of defense for the government of Japan that 8,000 Marines and 9,000 dependants is sufficient. We're not necessarily open to the recommendation that everything move to Guam. We're dealing with our own efforts just on what's being proposed," he said.
The delegation leaves back to Japan late tomorrow afternoon.
Resolution sends DEIS feedback to Congress
Resolution sends DEIS feedback to Congress
Posted: Feb 10, 2010 3:51 PM
Updated: Feb 10, 2010 3:57 PM
by Nick Delgado
Guam - Senator Jim Webb's visit to Guam and Japan comes just in time as lawmakers head into session tomorrow to discuss Resolution 275. The measure would express to Congress the sentiments of island residents' on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
Lawmakers held a series of interactive town meetings on the Draft EIS allowing residents to call or come in and testify on the document. Lawmakers have been compiling all the feedback they received to present to congress. Senator Rory Respicio said, "That resolution is going to be the basis as to how we can establish some kind of common ground and how we're going address this buildup. And common ground include that the military has to live within its own footprint and fund this buildup, they cannot impact our culture and our environment.
Session is scheduled to get underway tomorrow at two o'clock in the afternoon.
Posted: Feb 10, 2010 3:51 PM
Updated: Feb 10, 2010 3:57 PM
by Nick Delgado
Guam - Senator Jim Webb's visit to Guam and Japan comes just in time as lawmakers head into session tomorrow to discuss Resolution 275. The measure would express to Congress the sentiments of island residents' on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
Lawmakers held a series of interactive town meetings on the Draft EIS allowing residents to call or come in and testify on the document. Lawmakers have been compiling all the feedback they received to present to congress. Senator Rory Respicio said, "That resolution is going to be the basis as to how we can establish some kind of common ground and how we're going address this buildup. And common ground include that the military has to live within its own footprint and fund this buildup, they cannot impact our culture and our environment.
Session is scheduled to get underway tomorrow at two o'clock in the afternoon.
US senator to seek solutions on Japan base row
US senator to seek solutions on Japan base row
AFP
Feb 9 02:50 PM US/Eastern
US Senator Jim Webb will head to Japan in a bid to seek solutions in an increasingly rancorous debate over a US military base on the southern island of Okinawa, his office said Tuesday.
Webb, who heads the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on East Asia and the Armed Forces subcommittee on personnel, will visit Tokyo, Okinawa and the US Pacific territory of Guam on the one-week trip starting Saturday.
Webb will "listen carefully to the views of the current Japanese government, the leaders and citizens of Okinawa and Guam and US military leaders and personnel stationed in the Pacific region," his office said in a statement.
The United States and Japan in 2006 reached an agreement to shift thousands of US troops to Guam from Okinawa, where the heavy presence of US forces has long led to frictions with the local community.
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama launched a review of a key part of the deal -- the status of Futenma air base -- after his left-leaning coalition defeated Japan's long-ruling conservatives in the historic August 30 election.
The original plan called for Futenma's facilities to be moved from a busy urban area to reclaimed land off a quiet Okinawan village, but some allies of Hatoyama want the air base removed entirely.
The United States opposes revisions to the deal, saying Futenma's facilities are a military necessity. The United States stations some 47,000 troops under a security alliance with Japan, which has been pacifist since World War II.
Webb's office said the senator, a member of President Barack Obama's Democratic Party who represents Virginia, was a "strong proponent of the vital interests served by a healthy US-Japan relationship."
A former combat Marine, journalist and novelist, Webb has visited Japan throughout his career and once authored a study of the Japanese prison system.
As secretary of the navy, Webb in 1987 went to Okinawa to return the bell from Gokoku-ji Temple that had been taken to the United States by Commodore Matthew Perry, who pried open Japan after the nation's more than two centuries of self-imposed isolation.
AFP
Feb 9 02:50 PM US/Eastern
US Senator Jim Webb will head to Japan in a bid to seek solutions in an increasingly rancorous debate over a US military base on the southern island of Okinawa, his office said Tuesday.
Webb, who heads the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on East Asia and the Armed Forces subcommittee on personnel, will visit Tokyo, Okinawa and the US Pacific territory of Guam on the one-week trip starting Saturday.
Webb will "listen carefully to the views of the current Japanese government, the leaders and citizens of Okinawa and Guam and US military leaders and personnel stationed in the Pacific region," his office said in a statement.
The United States and Japan in 2006 reached an agreement to shift thousands of US troops to Guam from Okinawa, where the heavy presence of US forces has long led to frictions with the local community.
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama launched a review of a key part of the deal -- the status of Futenma air base -- after his left-leaning coalition defeated Japan's long-ruling conservatives in the historic August 30 election.
The original plan called for Futenma's facilities to be moved from a busy urban area to reclaimed land off a quiet Okinawan village, but some allies of Hatoyama want the air base removed entirely.
The United States opposes revisions to the deal, saying Futenma's facilities are a military necessity. The United States stations some 47,000 troops under a security alliance with Japan, which has been pacifist since World War II.
Webb's office said the senator, a member of President Barack Obama's Democratic Party who represents Virginia, was a "strong proponent of the vital interests served by a healthy US-Japan relationship."
A former combat Marine, journalist and novelist, Webb has visited Japan throughout his career and once authored a study of the Japanese prison system.
As secretary of the navy, Webb in 1987 went to Okinawa to return the bell from Gokoku-ji Temple that had been taken to the United States by Commodore Matthew Perry, who pried open Japan after the nation's more than two centuries of self-imposed isolation.
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