Continued request for grants due to US military reorganization Defense Minister Kono "Strongly responding" 12:29 on June 20

Defense Minister Kono visiting Yamaguchi Prefecture met with Mayor Fukuda of Iwakuni City. Mayor Fukuda requested the continuation of the grant due to the reorganization of the US Armed Forces in Japan that will end next year, and Minister Kono told him that he would consider measures.

Minister Kono, who has been visiting Yamaguchi Prefecture since 19th, visited Iwakuni City, where the US military base is located, and met with Mayor Fukuda on the 20th.

Among them, Mayor Fukuda said, “The noise problem will continue even if the transfer is over, because the grant due to the transfer of aircraft carrier-based aircraft and air tank refueling aircraft to Iwakuni base will be completed in the next fiscal year due to the reorganization of US forces in Japan. ", and requested the continuation of the grant.

In response, Minister Kono responded, "I would like to make a firm response," and conveyed the idea of ​​considering a response.

In addition, at the visit, it was pointed out that the aircraft carrier aircraft were noisy and residents were worried, Minister Kono said, "I would like to proceed with understanding the situation and safety measures in cooperation with the US military." Said.

On the 21st, Minister Kono will visit Yamaguchi Prefecture and Akita Prefecture, which was a candidate site for the new interceptor missile system "Aegis Ashore", and explain to Governor Satake and others the reasons for the planned suspension and apologize. ..