Japan shaves financial support for U.S. bases

[unhappycamper]

Japan shaves financial support for U.S. bases
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Dec 12, 2007 9:52:13 EST

TOKYO — Japan will shoulder less of the costs of maintaining American military bases in the country after reaching an agreement with the U.S. on Wednesday, officials said.

Japan and the U.S. have been negotiating a new deal concerning Japan’s hosting of about 50,000 American troops in bases across the country. Under a bilateral agreement, Japan pays about $1.25 billion a year.

The allies agreed that Tokyo will cut its support of utility fees for American bases by about 1.5 percent, or $3.6 million in 2009 and 2010, according to Foreign Ministry official Masaki Takaoka.

Thomas Schieffer, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, and Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura reached the accord Wednesday, Takaoka said.

Washington had reportedly urged Japan to increase its payments amid rising costs of strengthening its military capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/12/ap_japan_071212/