■ - d1021の日記

沖縄・普天間基地移設問題で、鳩山政権の先送り方針に「米国激怒」と連日煽る大マスコミ。だが、米国務省ホームページの記者会見を見ると、ア然とする光景が映し出された。怒っているのは米国政府じゃない、日本の大マスコミの特派員記者だったのだ。

QUESTION: Thank you. I would like to ask about the U.S. base realignment issue in Japan, so-called Futenma issue. The Japanese – the Government of Japan officially made a decision today that not – will not to make a decision sometime and will continue to consider where to relocate. And what is the government’s response of that?

MR. CROWLEY: I mean, I will defer to the Government of Japan to describe its position. We have been in consultations with the Government of Japan on this issue since the new government came into office. I think we had discussions today with Japanese officials and our Ambassador in Tokyo. We will continue to discuss this issue with the Government of Japan going forward.

QUESTION: Just to follow up, Japanese Government is saying that they might decide by next year, May or June, but U.S. officials are saying that they want answer as soon as possible. And also, at the same time, there may be talk of moving those into Guam. Is there any --

MR. CROWLEY: Well, there is an agreement that the United States reached with the previous Japanese government. We still think that roadmap is the best way forward and we’ll continue to consult closely with the Government of Japan as it works its way through this issue.
QUESTION: And also, are you in touch with the regional countries? It might affect them also to move.

MR. CROWLEY: I think that the – our presence of military forces in Okinawa is a manifestation of primarily our U.S.-Japanese bilateral relationship and alliance. Obviously, it does have regional ramifications, but I think that most people continue to appreciate the robust U.S. presence in the region.

QUESTION: Can I just – on this whole thing, is it not a little bit frustrating that it’s taking the Japanese – the new Japanese Government so long to --

MR. CROWLEY: We will continue to work with them. We understand that these are complex issues for them. They’re getting up to speed on a range of issues. I don’t think it --

QUESTION: Well, don’t you think they’ve had enough time to get up to speed on this considering – I mean, Campbell’s been over there how many times?

MR. CROWLEY: A couple.

QUESTION: Yeah. And they’ve had people here. So what’s --

MR. CROWLEY: We’ll continue to work with them.

QUESTION: So you’re prepared to draw this out – you’re prepared to let them drag this out indefinitely?

MR. CROWLEY: Well, we – I mean, we have a roadmap. We’re continuing to plan based on that roadmap, but we’ll continue to have our high-level consultations with the Japanese in the coming weeks and months.
QUESTION: Are you sure you want to use the word “roadmap?” In other contexts – (laughter) – that roadmap really leads to nowhere. So is that what you’re prepared --

MR. CROWLEY: If it leads to Guam. (Laughter.)

QUESTION: No, I’m serious. P.J., I’m serious.

MR. CROWLEY: Matt --

QUESTION: How long are you prepared to let the Japanese drag this out?

MR. CROWLEY: We recognize that our presence in Okinawa has an impact on the people of that island and is of significant importance and interest to the Japanese people. We’ll continue to work with the Japanese Government.

QUESTION: But that doesn’t answer the question. How long are you prepared to let them drag this out?

MR. CROWLEY: Matt --

QUESTION: What? It’s a simple question.

MR. CROWLEY: Let the record show that the spokesman shrugged. (Laughter.)

QUESTION: So you don’t know?

MR. CROWLEY: Huh?

QUESTION: You don’t know? This could go on indefinitely and that doesn’t bother the Administration?

MR. CROWLEY: I wouldn’t characterize this as an indefinite conversation. The Japanese Government has indicated to us that they’d like a little more time to work through these issues and we’re happy to oblige.

QUESTION: Can we go back to Japan basement issue? Actually, the Government of Japan is considering to find a new location of Futenma basement, and it is totally different from the (inaudible). And my question is: Can the U.S. --

MR. CROWLEY: Or the planet.

QUESTION: Can the U.S. Government accept that?

MR. CROWLEY: There is an existing plan and it – we think it is the best way forward, but as I said earlier, we will continue to discuss this with the Government of Japan.

QUESTION: Yeah. All of us know that the roadmap is the best plan, but actually, the Government of Japan is considering the new location. So my question is --

MR. CROWLEY: I understand that. And we will continue to discuss the issue with the Government of Japan.

http://d.hatena.ne.jp/d1021/20091224#1261664161
http://d.hatena.ne.jp/d1021/20091223#1261559740