National Association of Chairpersons of City Councils adopts resolution seeking SOFA revision
June 1, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo
The National Association of Chairpersons of City Councils adopted a resolution requesting a drastic revision of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) at a meeting held in Tokyo on May 31.
The organization represents over 800 chairpersons of city councils. The association will lobby the government to revise the SOFA.
Minoru Yabiku, the chairperson of the Nago City Council, explained the purpose of the resolution, referring to the recent death of an Okinawan woman whose body was allegedly dumped by a former U.S. marine,
Yabiku stated, “Only improving administration of the Status of Forces Agreement will not help deter recurrence of incidents and accidents involving U.S. military bases. It is necessary to revise the agreement drastically. ”
He expressed his strong anger, saying, “The young woman, whose body was dumped, was victimized just when she was about to chase her dreams. It is a matter of the greatest regret to us because we could not protect her life. Okinawan people are furious with rage.”
Similar resolutions have been periodically circulated by the National Association of Chairpersons of City Councils. They have been submitted every year since 2013 because incidents and accidents caused by U.S. service members and civilian workers have not stopped. This is the sixth time at least.
(English translation by T&CT)
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