International News

TOKYO, (APP/AFP) – Japan’s defence minister
travelled to Okinawa to lodge a formal protest with the commander
of the US military base there on Saturday after the arrest of a
base employee linked to the suspicious death of a local woman.
Gen Nakatani’s visit to the island comes just days before
a high-profile trip to Japan by US President Barack Obama.
“I deliver a strong message of regret and at the same time
make a protest,” Nakatani told US military commander Lt. Gen.
Lawrence Nicholson, according to public broadcaster NHK, as he
demanded the US military in Okinawa ensure discipline among
troops.
For his part Nicholson told Nakatani: “Our heartfelt
prayers and condolences are offered to the family.”
The southern island of Okinawa was the site of a brutal World
War II battle but is now considered a strategic linchpin by hosting
numerous US military bases that support the two countries’
decades-long security alliance.