Date:30/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/30/stories/2005103004971400.htm

International

Japan: U.S. allays fears on n-carrier

P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE: The United States has announced that it would deploy a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at a Japanese port, Yokosuka, replacing the conventional warship with effect from 2008.

The decision, which overrules objections from the Mayor of Yokosuka, follows the move to relocate a U.S. air facility within Okinawa despite opposition from the local residents to the American military presence in their neighbourhood.

The announcement about the aircraft carrier comes on the eve of discussions between the two nations on their "common strategic objectives," identified a few months ago.

These objectives have drawn much political fire from China and some countries.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan J. Thomas Schieffer said in Tokyo on Friday there should be no concerns about environmental safety.

Pacifist views

He said the "sensitivity" of the Japanese and the pacifist views of the Mayor and residents of Yokosuka had been taken into account.

He said "there has not been one single incident that caused the release of radioactive material" in the 40 years that U.S. nuclear-powered carriers had been visiting Japanese ports.

Allaying concerns that Japan's policy of "nuclear pacifism" was now being compromised, Mr. Schieffer said the move was " not about [deployment of] nuclear weapons per se" and would be consistent with the existing Japanese law.

He said the aircraft carrier would "significantly contribute to the peace and stability of Japan, the United States and the entire [Asia Pacific] region."