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Realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan Proceeds in Relative Calm:

The United States and Japan agreed on a plan today to relocate a major American air base on the southern island of Okinawa, removing the biggest obstacle to talks on the redeployment of American troops across the country.

According to the plan, the Futenma Marine Corps air base, located in the city of Ginowan, will move to an existing United States base, Camp Schwab, in a less-populated area of the main Okinawa island.

The agreement will allow United States and Japanese officials to go ahead with broader talks this weekend in Washington over the realignment of American troops in Japan. Both sides are hoping to reach an overall agreement on the reorganization of United States forces before a visit to Japan by President Bush in mid-November.