Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Chances growing Japan may sign off on U.S. base-media
| International
|
My Profile
Top News
Reuters top ten news stories delivered to your inbox each day.
Subscribe
You are here:
Home
>
News
>
International
>
Article
Home
Business & Finance
News
U.S.
Politics
International
Technology
Entertainment
Sports
Lifestyle
Oddly Enough
Health
Science
Special Coverage
Video
Pictures
Your View
The Great Debate
Blogs
Weather
Reader Feedback
Do More With Reuters
RSS
Widgets
Mobile
Podcasts
Newsletters
Your View
Make Reuters My Homepage
Partner Services
CareerBuilder
Affiliate Network
Professional Products
Support (Customer Zone)
Reuters Media
Financial Products
About Thomson Reuters
Chances growing Japan may sign off on U.S. base-media
Sat Oct 24, 2009 2:08am EDT
Email | Print |
Share
| Reprints | Single Page
[-]
Text
[+]
TOKYO (Reuters) - The Asahi newspaper reported on Saturday that chances are growing Japan may sign off on a plan to reposition a U.S. Marine air base, which would help clear the way for a realignment of U.S. troops in the country.
An agreement would ease growing tension with the United States over the reorganization, an issue which could fray ties with Washington.
The Sankei newspaper reported on Friday Japan would tell U.S. President Barack Obama when he visits next month that it would craft a new plan by the end of the year to relocate the base on the southern island of Okinawa, but Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirofumi Hirano said there had been no such decision.
The Asahi said Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama had indicated that a decision would be made on the issue by the end of the year. It gave no other details.
Since it would be difficult to find an alternate location for the base by that time, chances were growing that the government would have to accept the original plan or one with slight modifications, the Asahi said.
Concerns are growing about friction over the long-planned reorganization of the U.S. military presence in Japan, the first big test of ties between Washington and a new Japanese government that wants more equal relations with its closest security ally.
How Hatoyama copes with the dispute could also affect voter support for his month-old government, now riding high at about 70 percent in most polls, especially if he looks indecisive.
Central to the reorganization deal is a plan to move the functions of the Futenma air base -- located in a crowded urban area of Okinawa -- to a more remote part of the island.
It also involves shifting 8,000 Marines to the U.S. territory of Guam, partly at Japan's expense.
Hatoyama had said he wanted the base moved off the island, which lies 1,600 km (1,000 miles) from the Japanese mainland in the Pacific Ocean. But U.S. officials have ruled that out, saying it would undermine broader security agreements.
Foreign Minister Katsyua Okada said on Friday it was unrealistic to consider shifting the functions of Futenma off Okinawa.
"Considering that ... the more time we take, the longer the danger at Futenma continues, moving the base outside Okinawa is not a realistic option," Okada said.
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates this week made a blunt call for the planned realignment to be implemented and for Tokyo to decide on the issue before Obama's November 12-13 visit to Japan, but Hatoyama said on Friday there was no need to rush a decision.
Asked if the United States wanted Japan to make a decision by Obama's visit, U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos told Asahi TV in an interview on Friday: "I think the timing of the decision is up to the prime minister and his government. It's really not up to the United States to set a deadline."
"The important thing is that the process move very expeditiously to a conclusion," he said.
(Reporting by Elaine Lies and Linda Sieg; Editing by Paul Tait)
© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved
Share:
Del.icio.us
Digg
Mixx
Yahoo!
Facebook
LinkedIn
Next Article:
Avalanche's Darcy Tucker injured in win over Canes
Also On Reuters
Video
Video: Inventors wacky for green technology
Special Report: Playing with fire at Calpers
Slideshow
Slideshow: Mental patients at the Galuh foundation house
More International News
Asian leaders press free trade at talks
Iran ignores U.N. nuclear deadline
Suicide bomber kills eight in Pakistan
| Video
Merkel seals coalition deal
Karzai wants "better" Afghan vote, vows "inclusivity"
| Video
More International News...
Editor's Choice
Slideshow
A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours. Slideshow
Most Popular on Reuters
Articles
Video
Mom admits to "Balloon Boy" hoax: court record
Modern man a wimp says anthropologist
UPDATE 2-New US bill on "too big to fail" fix seen Monday
Nokia could seek up to $1 billion for iPhones: analysts | Video
Laying on bets at America's biggest pension fund | Video
Soros says taxpayers right to resent bank bonuses
Sicilian prefers prison to house arrest with wife
McCain Moves to Block FCC Net Neutrality
More evacuations as Puerto Rico oil blaze burns on
UPDATE 1-Canadian health officials discount vaccine "myths"
Most Popular Articles RSS Feed
Video
Inventors go wacky with greentech
Obama mulls Afghan war strategy
Japan's H1N1 flu simulator
Controversial mummies
Field narrows in X-Prize race
Flight overshoots by 150 miles
Jackson an immortal earner
Queen guitarist celebrates 3D photos
Striking Italians converge on Rome
Cube home takes top solar prize
Most Popular Videos RSS Feed
analysis
Obama peace quest flounders in Mideast quicksand
President Barack Obama's high-priority Middle East peace drive has run into predictable quicksands, even as other foreign policy challenges in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and beyond clamor for his attention. Full Article
U.S. presses Israel, Palestinians on peace talks
Reuters.com:
Help and Contact Us |
Advertise With Us |
Mobile |
Newsletters |
RSS |
Labs |
Journalism Handbook |
Archive |
Site Index |
Video Index
Thomson Reuters Corporate:
Copyright |
Disclaimer |
Privacy |
Professional Products |
Professional Products Support |
About Thomson Reuters |
Careers
International Editions:
Africa |
Arabic |
Argentina |
Brazil |
Canada |
China |
France |
Germany |
India |
Italy |
Japan |
Latin America |
Mexico |
Russia |
Spain |
United Kingdom |
United States
Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.
NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.
Other News on Saturday, 24 October 2009 Iran to respond next week on nuclear deal, snubs deadline
France approves broadside to digital pirates
Czech Republic's Klaus warms to EU treaty compromise
Nokia could seek up to $1 billion for iPhones: analysts
Iran delays reply on U.N.-backed atom deal to next week
Sarkozy's son joins business district board
Twitter entries satirize works of literature
Microsoft beats expectations to cap off big week
Ukraine opposition leader launches comeback bid
| International
|
Yemeni rebels report border clash with Saudi forces
Kenyan British aristocrat freed
Nokia says N900 sales delayed to November
Vatican synod urges corrupt African leaders to quit
| International
|
Microsoft launches Windows 7
Iran fails to endorse U.N. nuclear deal
Zimbabwe PM says unity government not at end
| International
|
Nokia says N900 sales delayed to November
No area sex offender suspects in Fla. girl's death
Strong earthquake rocks eastern Indonesia
Tips to have a flu-free party this holiday season
Militant attacks in Pakistan so far in October
Erratic typhoon weakens, keeps Philippines on edge
SIP: Bartending trend calls for nice ice, baby
Pipeline falls on train in India killing 2
Cambodian leader offers Thaksin adviser's job
NY teen's hidden camera catches adult locker thief
Foreign minister: US base should stay on Okinawa
Bill OK'd to increase blacks at Coast Guard school
Pipeline falls on train in India killing 1
'Distracted' US pilots fly plane off-course
Rebels free Indian officer after Maoists released
Health care issues: Do doctors back health revamp
Dems scrambling for support for public health plan
Amazon Adds 25 Points On Surprise Earning Hike
McCain's Mother Hospitalized
Public Option Allowing States To Opt Out Gains Ground In Congress
Submarine Headed To U.S. Seized With 10 Tons Of Cocaine Off Guatemalan Coast
Existing Home Sales Reach Highest Level In Two Years
Victims Of Domestic Violence In Illinois Call For Reform Due To Large Number Of Unserved Protection Orders
Federal Treasury Official Says Over $600 Million Of Credit For First-Time Home Buyers Are Suspicious
'Distracted' Pilots Forget To Land Plane
American Medics, Patients Hit Short Supply Of H1N1 Vaccine
Jet Drops Bomb At Utah Air Force Base Before Emergency Landing
Malaysia slashes spending in 2010 budget
Japan post office should boost rural economy: minister
General Motors pumps funds into South Korean unit
Indians go on gold-buying blitz: industry body
China Construction Bank 3Q net profit up 18.6 pct
China formally launches Nasdaq-style board
Pakistani stocks end flat; rupee firms
US safety chief seeks China's help on drywall
Taylor Swift first U.S. tour dates sell in minutes
| Entertainment
|
Simpson-Wentz, Egglesfield out at 'Melrose Place'
Lawmaker in Travolta mistrial mess blames rumor
| Entertainment
|
Vertical Horizon reforms band after 5-year break
World's biggest band adapts to changing times
Strong 6.0-magnitude quake hits Indonesia
Agents detail prescription record in Smith hearing
Iran to respond to UN nuclear proposal next week
New German coalition gets set for government
Icahn resigns from board
Asian leaders press free trade at talks
| International
|
Europe swine flu spreads, 'millions' infected in US
Merkel seals coalition deal
| International
|
Israel warns against U.N. council seeing Gaza report
Facebook revamps home page feed
New hope for EU treaty as Klaus accepts concession
Icahn resigns from board
Iraqi cleric's aide warns of chaos if vote delayed
Sarkozy slander trial ends after clash of titans
More evacuations as Puerto Rico oil blaze burns on
| International
|
Busy U.S. cell networks a bonanza for gear makers
US formally asks for Polanski extradition: Swiss authorities
Ukraine party selects favourite for presidential vote
Sarkozy slander trial ends, verdict due January 28
Chances growing Japan may sign off on U.S. base-media
| International
|
Microsoft beats expectations to cap off big week
Czech Republic's Klaus warms to EU treaty compromise
Abbas calls Palestinian elections for January 24
Iran ignores U.N. nuclear deadline
Italy's intelligences services launch website
NATO backs new Afghan strategy but no new troop offers
New from NASA, an iPhone application
Honduras crisis back to square one as talks fail
| International
|
Sony looks for box office hit with "This Is It"
Court document ties Young to Alaska corruption
NYC mayor breaks spending record with $85.2M
Pilots missed Twin Cities by 150 miles
Busy U.S. cell networks a bonanza for gear makers
| Technology
|
Hawaii regulators approve first US tuna farm
US probes pilots who overshot airport by 150 miles
Activists deride new ASEAN rights commission
Former NYC top cop getting quick hearing of appeal
3 bombs hit Pakistan in a day, killing 24
Cabinet members make many Nevada stops for Reid
Obama administration's foreign aid job left open
Maine gay marriage supporters lead in funding
Ala. city summons sex offenders on Halloween night
Japan to say U.S. relevant to Asia grouping idea
Japan govt coalition partner rejects US base proposal
US freezes assets of N.Korean bank
Three men killed, one woman wounded in Thai south
Cambodia and Thailand clash at summit over Thaksin
Japan FM: US base should stay on Okinawa
Mom gives birth on board airplane over Malaysia
Power unit shut at S.Korea nuclear plant
WTO to rule on China-EU metal fasteners dispute
China-Biotics CFO resigns to purse other interests
Justin Timberlake gets stay away order against woman
| Entertainment
|
Hip-hop band the Roots branch out on nightly TV
| Entertainment
|
Rapper Kanye West cleared in airport scuffle
| Entertainment
|
Sony looks for box office hit with This Is It
| Entertainment
|
Hip-hop band the Roots branch out on nightly TV
Billboard singles reviews: Norah Jones, Timbaland
| Entertainment
|
Michelle Obama's gripe: President's tennis game
Carly Simon has "good time" revisiting old songs
Billboard CD reviews: Air, Devendra Banhart
| Entertainment
|
Billboard CD reviews: Air, Devendra Banhart
Billboard singles reviews: Norah Jones, Timbaland
Justin Timberlake gets stay away order against woman
CORRECTED: Rapper Kanye West cleared in airport scuffle
Tiff over White House camera crew and Fox
Warhol portrait of Michael Jackson up for auction
Investigator: Smith had multiple sources for drugs
Judge, family members killed in Tehran
New German govt to cut taxes
US-TECH Summary
Pakistan troops retake Taliban stronghold in Waziristan
| International
|
Abbas insists on January date for Palestinian vote
| International
|
Lenovo expects big PC sales boost from Windows 7
Taliban threat to scupper Afghan run-off vote
Indonesia lifts tsunami alert after powerful quake
| International
|
Poll boost for British far-right after TV first
Palestinian PM sees state structure ready by 2011
Taliban threaten Afghan run-off vote
| International
|
Iran hardline lawmakers carp nuclear fuel deal
| International
|
Robert Mugabe refuses to budge over cabinet boycott
| International
|
Australia PM raises Rio case with China
| International
|
Obama: Time for big banks to help small businesses
Bank failures hit 106 for year; many more are weak
NJ priest slain in church rectory is mourned
LA officials to unveil $437M police headquarters
Army captures Pakistani Taliban leader's hometown
US mulls direct talks as NKorea envoy visits
Malaysia baby born on plane to go home healthy
Canada hits out at EU over visa spat
Asian nations look to 'lead world'
Japan calls on India to make climate commitment
SKorea: Summit should help resolve nuclear dispute
Pakistan army takes Taliban chief's hometown: sources
Sri Lanka faces fuel shortage in oil union protest
Taliban call for Afghans to boycott runoff poll
Malaysian native leader detained over anti-logging
Australians kick off world climate change protest
Lenovo expects big PC sales boost from Windows 7
| Technology
|
ASEAN to study free trade pact: officials
Pakistani C.Bank buys 110.8 bln rupees of govt paper
Japanese firms to develop small nuclear reactors
Teen Girl With No Memory Seeks Identity In New York City
U.S. Has Short Supply Of H1N1 Vaccine
Mexican Cartel Boss Pleads Guilty In U.S. Court
U.S. Air Strike Targets Militants In Pakistan
Environmental Group Says Half Of America's Rivers, Lakes Considered Too Polluted With Toxins For Swimming
U.S. Markets End Friday With Loss After Week Of Gains
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights