‘No Ospreys in our skies!’ Okinawa governor leads mass protest against US military bases (VIDEO) — RT News
Thousands of Okinawa residents have gathered to protest the presence of American helipads and US forces on the island, regardless of a historic handover of almost 10,000 acres of Japanese land that the US has used as a navy base since WWII.
On Thursday the Japanese authorities held a ceremony to mark the US navy’s return of the most important tract of land in Okinawa. Some four,000 hectares of forest space was reverted to Japanese management, with the US navy given the privilege to nonetheless administer the realm.
Thanks to the individuals of Okinawa for welcoming us as we speak – and due to USG and GOJ for concluding largest land return in 30 years pic.twitter.com/NlHb1oJxtv
— キャロライン・ケネディ大使 (@CarolineKennedy) December 22, 2016
Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga was absent from the occasion as he opposed the situations of the switch deal. In 1996, Japan and the United States agreed on the land reversion in trade for permitting six new helipads to be constructed within the retained portion of US-controlled land.
To oppose the US navy presence on the island, Onaga as a substitute led an indication of over four,000 activists in Nago who joined in with protests in opposition to the helipads.
Demonstrators carried banners that learn “get out marines”, and “no base Henoko,” as they had been watched by strains of police.
While the land switch decreased American-administered areas on the southern island of Okinawa by 17 %, Onaga, who has been campaigning in opposition to a US presence since 2014, known as the deal misleading.
“The land return ceremony one-sidedly held by the central authorities is nothing however a proof they haven’t any intention in any respect to be thoughtful of our struggling,” Onaga stated, referring to potential risks of internet hosting US V-22 Osprey plane.
Washington stations two Osprey squadrons in Japan, totaling 24 plane. The Osprey, constructed by Boeing and Textron Bell Helicopter is designed to take off like a helicopter and rotate its propellers to fly like a aircraft.
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Activists for years have been voicing concern about elevated noise from the development of the US helicopter bases whereas expressing concern over potential accidents.
The V-22 Osprey through the years has had eight hull-loss accidents with a complete of 36 fatalities worldwide. The complete fleet of Ospreys was briefly grounded earlier this month in Okinawa after one in every of them crashed in shallow waters off the island final week. The ban was lifted this Monday.
“The thought that there will probably be a brand new base in Henoko makes me really feel robust resentment and unease concerning the harmful Osprey flights that can occur tonight and proceed sooner or later. I’m dedicated to stop Osprey from flying in our skies,” Onaga informed the rally.
The governor’s concern has considerably been shared by Japan’s protection minister, Tomomi Inada, who urged the United States navy “to take thorough preventive measures in order that such an incident won’t ever happen once more,” New York Times reported.
In the meantime, Okinawa Prefectural Assembly handed a decision Thursday to oppose the resumption of Osprey flights.
“One improper transfer may have led to a catastrophe involving residents,” stated the decision, according to Japan Times.
