Ambassador Roos's Statement to the Media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

November 2, 2012

AMBASSADOR ROOS: Let me be absolutely clear: I am very upset - it's an understatement to say I'm very upset - with the reported incident in Okinawa. I spoke to General Angelella, the Commander of U.S. Forces, Japan, and he shares my feelings.

First and foremost, we are concerned - obviously, very concerned - with the well-being of this young man. Our thoughts go out to him and his family.

As you know, General Angelella and our U.S. military forces here in Japan are currently undergoing a complete review of the liberty policies and other policies that will minimize, if not eliminate, any such incident in the future. And as you know, we are working very closely with the Government of Japan, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense, in the review of our policies. And I pledged to Minister Kira a few minutes ago, and I pledge to all the people of Japan, the complete cooperation of the United States of America.

And let me just make one final statement. It is incredibly unfortunate that the purported actions of a few reflect badly on thousands of young men and women here in Japan, away from their homes, that are here for the defense of Japan - and that serve so ably in maintaining peace and security in this region of the world that is so important to all of us.

So again, we are very upset, and we pledge complete cooperation with the Government of Japan in getting to the bottom of this, and preventing future occurrences in the future.

Thank you very much.