Thaindian News

WASHINGTON D.C. (BNO NEWS) – White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said on Wednesday that the United States respects the decision of Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama to resign after eight months in the office, the Office of the Press Secretary announced.

“The U.S. - Japan bilateral relationship is very strong and deeply rooted in our common interests and values. Our Alliance has flourished under each Japanese Prime Minister and U.S. President for the past half century and will continue to strengthen in the years to come,” said Gibbs.

Gibbs also commented that the Japanese people and government are the only ones capable to select the next Prime Minister of Japan. He concluded by saying that the U.S. will continue to work closely with Japan across the broad range of issues between both nations.

Hatoyama’s main reason to step down is attributed to a promise made during his campaign. He vowed to move the U.S. Futenma Air Base off Okinawa but after eight moths he capitulated to U.S. demands. Hatoyama apologized to the public and took full responsibility for losing public trust in the government.