Japanese panel seeks review of SOFA

By Amit Baruah

SINGAPORE, JULY 10.A Japanese House of Representatives panel has called for a review of a bilateral agreement with the United States which permits U.S. military personnel to be stationed on the country's territory.

The Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives today unanimously adopted a resolution calling for a ``radical review'' of the Japanese-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) following the alleged June 29 rape of a Japanese woman on Okinawa by an American serviceman. The Kyodo news agency reported from Tokyo that the Lower House resolution also called for improving arrangements to ensure the swift hand over to Japanese police of suspects who are military personnel.

Commenting on the resolution, a senior Japanese official said it did not call for an ``immediate revision'' of SOFA. Reflecting the sentiments of the people on Okinawa, the resolution said it took ``considerable time'' for the suspect, U.S. Air Force Senior Sgt. Timothy Woodland, to be handed over to Japanese police for investigation. The Committee was of the opinion that the case had shocked the people of Okinawa and placed them in a state of great uncertainty.

``It took considerable time until the (U.S.) decision was made for the transfer of (the airman's) custody causing distrust among the citizens,'' the resolution said. ``Every time such an incident occurs, the U.S. military has taken steps to prevent a recurrence, enforce strict discipline and educate its personnel, but looking at the current situation it is difficult to say they were effective enough,'' it added.

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Section  : International
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