NHK WORLD English 10-09-21 7:04 AM

updated at 9:30 UTC,Sep. 21

Naha assembly adopts motion for Senkaku Islands

The city assembly of Naha, the prefectural capital of Okinawa, is urging the central government to take a firm attitude over
the arrest of a Chinese fishing boat captain.

Earlier this month, the captain allegedly rammed his trawler into Japan Coast Guard vessels in Japanese waters off the
Senkaku Islands, in the East China Sea.

The Senkaku Islands fall under Okinawa's jurisdiction and are claimed by China and Taiwan. On Sunday, a court in the
prefecture approved extending the captain's detention by 10 days.

On Tuesday, the city assembly unanimously adopted a motion saying it is clear historically and under international law that
the Senkaku Islands are Japanese territory.
The assembly says that up to 270 Chinese fishing boats a day were confirmed in nearby waters in mid-August, and that
Japanese fishermen were unable to operate safely. It said the situation is extremely worrisome and cannot be overlooked.

The motion also asks the government to show a firm attitude toward the Chinese government and other countries and
tighten security.

A protest resolution adopted at the same time asks the Chinese government to ensure that similar incidents will not take
place again.

The Naha assembly says this is the first time that such a motion and resolution have been adopted in the prefecture. The
assembly plans to mail them to the central government and the Chinese Embassy in Japan by the end of the day.
2010/09/21 14:58(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)

http://www.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/21_26.html Page 1 of 1