Okinawa Times writer Shogo Nishie interviewed Raymond Greene, Consul General-designate to Okinawa who will be taking up his post in August, on June 17, expressing his views on base issues in Okinawa. According to online information, Green majored in Political Science, specializing in US-Japan relations and studied as an exchange student at  International Christian University in Tokyo. In 1992,  he participated in the JET Programme as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), in the Kanagawa high school where  he had spent  his time as an exchange student.  He entered the US Foreign Service at the age of 25. and is currently,  he is the Chief of the Political-Military Affairs Unit at the  US Embassy in Tokyo. Greene actively promotes interaction between US military personnel and Japanese residents and has tremendous regard for the JET Programme.

-- What about relocation of Futenma Air Station to a site further offshore. Greene: The existing plan is proceeding smoothly between Japan and the U.S. The location of the runways was proposed by Japan originally. During the negotiation process, we researched the environment, operations, noise, and all other issues and came up with the final plan. We want to implement the plan as soon as possible.-- What if there is a demand to move the facility further offshore based on "rational reasons"? Greene: We are not considering any revisions at all. The Japanese side has also made clear a similar position. The preparatory document for environmental assessment also says the government's plan is the best option.-- The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) is asserting that if it takes over the administration, it will seek to relocate Futenma out of Okinawa or Japan. Greene: We have no plans to review the U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) realignment package, and we are not prepared to discuss this at all. What is important in the challenging security environment in East Asia today is to implement the realignment package as soon as possible. -- What is the outlook of USFJ realignment? Greene: An important question is where to move the functions of the bases south of Kadena Air Base. We will proceed carefully, but this will definitely be realized. The return of base land south of Kadena will be an opportunity for Okinawa's future.-- How about the possibility of deploying Ospreys in the Futenma replacement facility? Greene: The U.S. government has no concrete plans on this yet. We inform the Japanese government in advance when we deploy new capabilities, but the process for the Ospreys has not begun.--- What happens if the cost of relocating the Marines to Guam turns out to be higher than originally estimated? Greene: The two-plus-two agreement of 2006 clearly spells out Japan's share in the cost. This will not exceed the upper limit. The U.S. side will shoulder the additional cost if the original estimate is exceeded.--- How about the announcement of a master plan for the return of bases south of Kadena? Greene: We will discuss carefully with Japan and make an announcement as soon as possible. (The size of land to be returned on Camp Zukeran) is still being coordinated.--- On the revision of the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). Greene: Improvement of operations is more effective, and this is the consensus between the two countries. We do not see any need for revising the SOFA.--- Nuclear-powered submarines are visiting the White Beach more frequently. Greene: This is also due to North Korea's provocative actions and the rise of China, Russia, and India. Maintaining the strategic balance is an important goal for Japan and the U.S. White Beach will be of increasing importance.[ad#468x60-ad]