Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Tuesday stood behind his new defense minister, Naoki Tanaka, who days into his job drew fire from the opposition camp for suggesting the contentious relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma may begin by year's end.
During a group media interview at the prime minister's office, Noda said Tanaka's remarks were misinterpreted.
"The government has not decided (to begin construction) by the end of the year at its own discretion," Noda said. "There has been a misunderstanding, because (Tanaka) said 'begin construction.' The relocation is based on the premise that we gain the (acceptance)" of the people of Okinawa, he said.