Guam – Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo emphasized that the outcome of the 2-Plus-2 talks in Washington Tuesday reaffirmed the U.S. Government’s, although not the Senate’s, commitment to the realignment of forces in Okinawa and the military buildup on Guam.
Reacting to the outcome of the talks, Bordallo said:
“Today’s announcement reaffirms the United States’ commitment to our Japanese allies and to providing regional stability in the Asia-Pacific region. It is important to highlight that both governments remain firmly committed to the Guam International Agreement and the process for U.S. realigning forces in the Pacific.”
Bordallo also noted that the two sides finally, officially acknowledged what has been known for years, the buildup will not be completed by 2014.
“The delay in implamentation of the buildupwhich has been acknowledged the delay”Undoubtedly there are difficult issues that remain to be resolved, but abandoning the current plans and starting from scratch would only delay a process that has taken over 15 years. I commend the group for coming to the same conclusion that many in Congress and Guam came to many years ago with regards to the unrealistic 2014 timeline completion date.”
“I think the group has outlined a more responsible time-frame for achieving tangible progress for a Futenma Replacement Facility and movement of Marines to Guam. This more responsible timeline will help our local businesses better prepare to support the military build-up as well as minimize burdens to our local infrastructure.”
“I believe that continued collaboration and dialogue between the United States and the Government of Japan will bring us to an ultimate conclusion on the development of a new Futenma facility.”
