U.S. Concerned about Impact of Japan's Election

Washington, July 11 (Jiji Press)--The U.S. government is concerned
that the Democratic Party of Japan-led government may become unstable
following the party's defeat in the House of Councillors election Sunday.
U.S. officials fear the loss of an Upper House majority by the
DPJ-led ruling camp could result in an unstable government, causing negative
effects on efforts to relocate a U.S. Marine Corps base in Okinawa
Prefecture and deepen the bilateral alliance.
In hopes of reducing uncertainties ahead, Washington has already
started arrangements with Tokyo to resume discussions between the two
nations' defense and foreign affairs experts as soon as possible.
The U.S. side worries that Prime Minister Naoto Kan may have little
time and energy to spend on foreign affairs as he is likely to fight an
uphill battle in running his government.
Meanwhile, many Okinawa citizens remain opposed to a plan to
relocate the Marines' Futenma air station from Ginowan to Camp Schwab in
Nago of the same prefecture, posing uncertainties over the result of an
upcoming gubernatorial election.
Washington hopes to conclude discussions on the construction method
for the substitute facility for the Futenma base and other issues related to
the relocation by the end of August as agreed on between the two nations.
This is because U.S. President Barack Obama is set to meet with
Japan's leader in September and November.
The U.S. policy is "likely to continue to focus on the Futenma
relocation effort," said Sheila Smith, senior fellow for Japan studies at
the Council on Foreign Relations. Smith served as a key adviser to Obama on
Japan affairs.
Washington hopes to resolve the Futenma issue as early as possible
so that the two nations can move on to enhance their cooperation in a wider
range of issues including Iran's nuclear program, further assistance to
Afghanistan and measures to ensure global economic recovery.
The United States will be eager to take advantage of the bilateral
alliance to promote joint interests in Asia, if "a strong prime minister
emerges in Japan, with a clear national policy," said Michael Auslin,
director of Japan studies at the American Enterprise Institute.
Smith also noted the importance of a government that can remain
stable over a long period.


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