Japanese PM seeks U.S. support over thorny Okinawa base relocation issue (2)

Washington has consistently urged Japan to stick to an existing accord inked in 2006 that was years in the making, involving the heliport functions of the Futemma facility, located in a crowded residential area in Ginowan, to be transferred to a coastal area of the U.S. Marines' Camp Schwab in the city of Nago, Okinawa by 2014.

Part of the 2006 relocation plan, estimated to cost some 10.3 billion U.S. dollars, would also see 8,000 of the 20,000 U.S. troops currently stationed in Japan's southernmost prefecture relocated from Okinawa to the U.S. island of Guam.

Washington maintains the existing accord remains the best solution to ensure security in East Asia while reducing the burden on Okinawa.

Source: Xinhua
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