Japan, U.S. See Base Deal By Year-End

Japan Defense Agency Director General Yoshinori Ono reached a basic agreement with U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to achieve a deal on the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan by the end of this year. In a meeting held in a hotel in Singapore, Ono and Rumsfeld also agreed to release as soon as possible an interim report on the sharing of security roles by the Self-Defense Forces and U.S. troops. Ono told reporters after the meeting that the report could be issued in one or two months. During the meeting, the defense chief said that as it would take time to gain the understanding and support of communities hosting U.S. bases for the realignment plans, it would be difficult for Japan to incorporate specific plans in the report for the redeployment of U.S. miliary bases. He also asked the U.S to work toward reducing the burden on local governments, particularly in Okinawa Prefecture, saying it was very important to do so.Japan Defense Agency Director General Yoshinori OnoA high-ranking defense official said Ono reiterated his call for the burden to be lightened on Okinawa because failure to do so when U.S. forces were realigned would spark anti-U.S sentiment, making it difficult to ensure a prolonged stay for U.S. troops. Rumsfeld cautioned against reducing U.S. troops in Okinawa, saying maintaining a military deterrent was essential. However, Rumsfeld also cited the importance of understanding, cooperation and support from local governments, saying the redeployment of U.S forces had to lighten the burden on the communities affected while meeting the demands of the security environment in the 21st century. He said the U.S. government spent about 3.2 percent of its gross domestic product on defense--about three times Japan's level of spending. Regarding the role-sharing of SDF and U.S. troops on the basis of common strategic objectives agreed in a two-plus-two security meeting in February, Ono praised Japan-U.S. cooperation in helping victims of the Dec. 26 Asian tsunami. "We have to keep in touch with each other regarding contingencies. Now the contingency law has been passed, Japan can speed up talks on cooperation," he said. Rumsfeld said the U.S. government greatly appreciated Japan's cooperation in rebuilding Iraq and the fight on terrorism, saying Japan's contribution was important. U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld