GATINEAU, Canada (Kyodo) Washington still thinks the existing U.S.-Japan accord on relocating Futenma air station in Okinawa is "preferable" but is "ready to consider" possible alternative proposals from Japan, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Tuesday.
"We are committed to the defense of Japan . . . and we hold a view as to what is the most effective way to pursue and implement that. But of course we are going to continue to listen to and consult with the Japanese government," Clinton said at a news conference held after a meeting of Group of Eight foreign ministers.