From Wall Street Journal:TOKYO -- The U.S. stepped up its pitch to push through the construction of a controversial new military facility in Okinawa Friday, as Japanese leaders pledged to redouble their effort to solve the thorny bilateral debate on bases by the end of May. Yet a wide gap seemed to remain between both sides on the issue.
John Roos, U.S. ambassador to Japan, said in a speech here Friday that the U.S. is ready to take various steps to make its military presence more palatable to people in Okinawa, such as reducing noise or using the latest green technology to make its bases more environmentally friendly. Washington and Tokyo, he added, can also work together to help spur economic development on the island by taking advantage of its young and growing population and its strategic location close to the rest of Asia.
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More News On Okinawa and How It Impacts U.S. - Japan Relations
U.S. ambassador stresses need for troops on Okinawa -- Stars And Stripes
Ambassador says US-Japan security pact, now in 50th year, is critical for regional peace -- Canadian Press
Roos stresses need for U.S. forces in Japan -- Japan Times
Thousands in Tokyo protest US military presence -- Washington Post/AP
6,000 rally in Tokyo against Futenma relocation -- Japan Today
Thousands in Tokyo, Japan protest U.S. presence for noise, crime -- Digital Journal
Mayor-Elect in Okinawan City Opposes U.S. Base -- New York Times
Japan Voter Angst About U.S. Ties Erodes PM Ratings -- New York Times
Okinawa base still a go, admiral says -- Star Bulletin
Japan to press ahead with US base review -- AFP
Okinawa's air base battle -- L.A. Times editorial
Japan and the American Bases -- New York Times editorial