Japan requests injunction overturning Henoko permit revocation, trampling Okinawans’ wishes

Japan requests injunction overturning Henoko permit revocation, trampling Okinawans’ wishes

On October 17 slightly after 4:40 p.m. at the Prefectural Office, Governor Denny Tamaki answered reporters' questions and expressed anger at the central government's legal measures meant to subvert Okinawans' popular will.


October 17, 2018 Ryukyu Shimpo online edition

On October 17 starting at 4:40 p.m. Governor Denny Tamaki answered questions from a group of reporters at the Prefectural Office. He spoke about the central government’s request for an injunction to overturn revocation of the land reclamation permit, relating to construction work at the shore of Henoko.
Governor Tamaki said: “I requested discussions toward a solution with Prime Minister Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga, and perhaps other officials. Yet merely five days later the central government’s approach is to take legal measures [against revocation]. It is by no means acceptable to trample on the popular will of Okinawans, which was once again demonstrated in the [Okinawa] gubernatorial election.”

With a grim expression and his voice full of anger throughout his time talking with the press, Governor Tamaki explained the way in which the Okinawa Prefectural Government (OPG) is considering these circumstances. He spoke about the central government’s decision to ask for an injunction from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, based on the Administrative Complaint Review Act. Tamaki said, “This Act is meant to support Japanese citizens’ rights and interests. By using it, the central government is distorting the intent of the institution. It is illegal, and I cannot fathom that this is an act of a constitutional nation.”

Also, Governor Tamaki commented on fact that revocation of the land reclamation permit has kept construction at bay for more than a month and a half, while in 2015 when former governor Onaga rescinded the permit it was reinstated the very next day. Tamaki said: “It is of urgent importance that we absolutely do not allow [revocation to be reversed]. Should the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism cancel the revocation, the interior of the Cabinet will be unjustly dominating [the situation].”

Governor Tamaki also addressed how the OPG plans to engage with the central government going forward. He said, “I have just requested that Prime Minister Abe promptly arrange an occasion for us to have discussions, and I will push for an ongoing dialogue.”

In addition, Governor Tamaki called on the people of Japan and Okinawa, saying, “I implore the people of Japan to see the reality of the current administration’s overly authoritarian resistance to Okinawans’ popular will, to move toward a public committment against building the new base in Henoko, and to do so earnestly.”

(English translation by T&CT and Erin Jones)

Go To Japanese


　


Previous Article:
Next Article:

[Similar Articles]