US, Japan pact to cut civilian staff at bases
Print Edition
JAPAN and the US announced yesterday that they will reduce the number of civilians working on American military bases who receive immunity from Japanese prosecution, a step toward addressing outrage on Okinawa over a recent murder case on the island involving a Marine-turned-contractor.
The two sides said civilians covered by the Status of Forces Agreement, or SOFA, will be limited to those who meet more specific criteria than under the current definition.
Education and monitoring of American troops and base workers will also be enhanced to try to cut back on crimes.
The largely symbolic change, however, does not involve a formal revision of the agreement.
The arrest in May of a Kadena Air Base contractor accused of raping and killing a 20-year-old local woman sparked renewed anger on Okinawa, where resentment has been simmering over a heavy US troop presence and crime linked to the bases.
On Monday, Okinawan police arrested a technical sergeant at Kadena Air Base for suspected drunken driving.
The new measures “will strengthen and modernize our alliance,” US ambassador Caroline Kennedy said.
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