Japan leader wants equal ties with US

[unhappycamper]

Japan leader wants equal ties with US
By JAY ALABASTER
Associated Press Writer
Jan 4, 3:20 AM EST

TOKYO (AP) -- Japan's prime minister said Monday he will press for more equal ties with Washington this year, the 50th anniversary of a joint security treaty that grants many special privileges to U.S. troops stationed in the country.

Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, in a New Year's speech shown live on national television, said he hopes the alliance will evolve to become more open and candid.

It is important "for both sides to be able to firmly say what needs to be said, and to increase the relationship of trust," he said.

Under a security pact signed in 1960, U.S. armed forces are allowed broad use of Japanese land and facilities, and currently some 47,000 American troops are stationed in Japan. The U.S. is obliged to respond to attacks on Japan and protects the country under its nuclear umbrella.

More than half those troops are stationed in the southern island of Okinawa, where many residents complain about noise, pollution and crime linked to the bases.


Rest of Stripes article at: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_JAPAN_US?SITE=DCSAS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[msongs]

1. close these bases nt