Cohen Rejects 15-Year Limit On Okinawa Relocation Facility

US DEFENCE Secretary William Cohen today flatly rejected a proposed 15-year limit on use of a heliport to be the US Marine corp's Futenma air station in Japan's southern-most island of Okinawa prefecture.

Speaking at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo, Cohen also proposed cutbacks in Japan's host-nation financial support for US forces, saying there would be a strong Congressional reaction if the United States had to increase spending for maintaining its military presence in Japan.

Cohen arrived in Japan on Wednesday on a three-day visit after trips to Hong Kong and Vietnam.