Nago Mayor says people’s protest led to suspension of construction of new US base

Nago Mayor says people’s protest led to suspension of construction of new US base

Nago Mayor Susumu Inamine reflected positively on the government's announcement to suspend the construction work of a new U.S. base in Henoko, on August 4, at Nago City Office.


August 4, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

The Government has announced it will halt construction work of a new U.S. base in Henoko, Nago, which is part of the replacement of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Ginowan, and begin an intensive consultation with the Okinawa Prefectural Government. The work will be halted for one month.

Referring to the government’s announcement, Nago Mayor Susumu Inamine told reporters on August 4 at the municipal office, “I feel relieved because there is no construction work being forced through. Everyone who has protested in front of the gate of Camp Schwab and on Oura Bay has won a temporary halt of the construction.”

However, regarding the intensive consultation between the central government and the prefectural government, Inamine said, “I do not know whether or not the desired effect will come out in any form.”

He said his office had not been notified in advance that the government would temporarily halt the construction.
The mayor stated, “I cannot grasp the situation. I think both sides have an idea of what they have to do, because there is nothing to be gained from a stalemate and conflict state.”

He added, “I do not know whether there is something that can be agreed on between the government and the prefectural government. Something might move the government to decide to halt ongoing work.”

(English translation by T&CT)

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