Okinawa Times and Ryukyu Shimpo took up a meeting on Tuesday between Okinawa Governor Tamaki and Ginowan Mayor Matsukawa, during which the municipal leader called for the governor to find common ground with the central government regarding Futenma relocation so that the danger associated with the Marine facility can be removed as soon as possible. The mayor stressed that he supports the existing plan to transfer the base functions to the area off Camp Schwab. “The FRR construction is already underway. I want you to cooperate with the central government to realize the Futenma reversion as soon as possible.” The governor reportedly replied that his opposition to the FRF initiative remains unchanged, arguing that the project will not necessarily lead to the swift return of the Futenma base.   

As yesterday marked the 26th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan accord on Futenma reversion, the papers said the Ginowan leader is frustrated that the local residents’ security burden has not been significantly reduced after a quarter century due in part to the prolonged confrontation between the central and prefectural governments.