 |
2009/02/17
Statement Following the Japan-US Foreign Minister / Secretary of State's Meeting
|
On February 17, DPJ Policy Research Committee Chair Masayuki Naoshima issued the following statement.
Today, Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs met with the US Secretary of State. As well as agreeing to strengthen the Japan-US alliance, an agreement regarding the transfer of US Marines from Okinawa to Guam was signed following the meeting.
The Japan-US relationship is the most important bilateral relationship not only for the two countries concerned but also for the international community. In particular, as both countries are having to deal with the global financial and economic crisis, we must work to overcome these difficulties through co-operation and policy-making but without resorting to protectionism. On the North Korean issue, which is extremely important for Japan, it is indispensable that we not only achieve complete denuclearization and remove the threat of North Korea's missiles, but also that we resolve the abduction issue which is a serious human rights violation. Not only must Japan and the US work together, we must also work in concert with South Korea, China and Russia in order to bring the six-party talks, which have fallen into a stalemate, back on track.
The agreement on the transfer of US Marines from Okinawa to Guam states that Japan will provide financial assistance up to a maximum of $2.8 billion, the US will use the money appropriately, and that a facility will be completed to replace the Futenma Air Station. We will strictly examine the details of the agreement in future Diet debate, but it is already clear that the government has not adequately explained to voters why Japanese taxpayers’ money is being used to pay for the return of US Marines from Okinawa to their own country nor has it explained the basis upon which the transfer costs have been calculated.
The DPJ's intention is to implement an autonomous and affirmative diplomatic policy. While doing so, the DPJ would hold even more frank and close dialog with the United States while aiming to build a mature relationship of equal partners. We will also work to establish clear rules governing the position of the US military in Japan and the payment of necessary expenses, including expenses for the US military that are borne by Japan, in order to develop the Japan-US alliance, which is the cornerstone of Japan's national security, into a true cornerstone of peace and security for the Asia-Pacific region.
|
|
|
 |
|