Takaichi: "U.S.-Japan consultations begin to prevent recurrence of 'US soldiers' murder of Okinawa women'"

(Tokyo = Yonhap News) Correspondent Lee Do-yeon = Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on the 13th that discussions between the United States and Japan began last week to prevent a recurrence of the incident in which a U.S. Marine was recently arrested on charges of murdering a local woman in Okinawa.

According to Kyodo News and Asahi Shimbun, Prime Minister Takaichi responded to a related question at the budget committee of the Japanese House of Representatives (House of Representatives) on this day, saying, "An incident committed by a U.S. military official causes great anxiety to local residents and should not occur."

He continued, "The Japanese government quickly and strongly protested to the U.S. and strongly demanded full cooperation in the investigation, establishment of discipline among U.S. military officials, thorough prevention of recurrence of the incident, and appropriate response to the victims' families."

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also said, "The United States has decided to closely review the action guidelines," and added, "We have decided to hold discussions with high-level Japanese and U.S. officials since last week on how to take effective measures."

Prime Minister Takaichi also commented on his meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump in person and over the phone before and after the U.S.-China summit last month, saying, "Holding summit meetings twice in one week shows that the ties between the Japan-U.S. alliance are strong."

He said, "Japan and the United States are the most reliable allies and we confirmed in the telephone meeting held after the U.S.-China summit that they will contribute to regional and global stability."

Regarding the US sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), he said he would continue to communicate with the US and support the ICC's activities together with the relevant countries.

Prime Minister Takaichi responded to a related question by saying, "Foreign Minister Motegi and U.S. Secretary of State (Mako) Rubio immediately had a telephone conversation," and added, "We will continue this communication and join forces with the relevant countries to support the ICC's activities."

He then reiterated, “Our country (Japan) has consistently supported the ICC to solidify the rule of law, and will continue to support it in the future.”

The United States imposed sanctions on the Japanese ICC Director Tomoko Akane last August, and announced high-intensity sanctions against the ICC on the 9th (local time).