Retired U.S. military members oppose new base construction, calling for a halt in Henoko and Takae for the 2nd straight year
Veterans for Peace members passing a resolution opposing plans for new base construction in Henoko. August 12, Chicago Illinois
August 14, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Special Correspondent Yukiyo Zaha
Chicago – The peace organization comprised of retired U.S. military members, Veterans for Peace (VFP) held their 32nd Annual Convention this past weekend.
During the VFP Business meeting on August 12, members unanimously passed two resolutions proposed by the Okinawa Chapter (Doug Lummis, Chairman).
One resolution was to, “Oppose the U.S. military base construction in Henoko, Nago; and Takae, Higashi,” the other to, “Demand the U.S. and North Korea execute a non-belligerence treaty.
” This is the second straight year that the VFP has adopted a resolutions opposing base construction in Henoko and Takae.
The convention was held in Chicago, Illinois from August 9-13.
The resolution opposing the base construction identified not only the new base construction in Henoko as part of the Japanese and U.S. government’s relocation of MCAS Funtema and the helipad construction in the area around Takae, Higashi, but also the MV- 22 Osprey flights, as threatening the beautiful nature in Okinawa and quality of life of its residents. The VFP demanded the U.S. government immediately (1) Close MCAS Futenma and return the land to Okinawa, (2) Cancel all planned new base construction in Henoko, and (3) Remove the Ospreys from Okinawa and restore the forests in Takae.
The resolution concerning North Korea was co-sponsored by VFP Japan (represented by Takao Izutsu), which comprises retired JSDF members, and the resolution explained that if the U.S. and North Korea were to go to war, Okinawa and Japan would be the victims.
Furthermore, the resolution demanded the U.S. government engage North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in talks, and through diplomacy negotiate a peace treaty.
Thereafter, the resolutions were passed by a vote of all members from each of the VFP chapters.
(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)
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