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AFP
ISE-SHIMA
US President Barack Obama on Wednesday sought to ease Japanese anger over the death of a woman on Okinawa, expressing his"deepest regrets" and saying his country would cooperate in the prosecution of an American arrested over the crime.
A series of crimes, including rapes, assaults and hit-and-run vehicle accidents by US military personnel, dependants and civilians have for years sparked local protests on the crowded island that hosts numerous US military bases.
Public anger boiled over last week after police arrested a former US Marine in connection with the death of a 20-year-old Okinawan woman who had been missing since late April and was reportedly raped and murdered.
"I extended my sincerest condolences and deepest regrets," Obama said at a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe after they held talks.
"The United States will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that justice is done under the Japanese legal system."
Obama arrived earlier Wednesday for a two-day summit of Group of Seven countries, which formally begins on Thursday.
A US citizen, who works at the sprawling Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, was arrested for allegedly disposing of the woman's body, Okinawan police have said.
Obama's comments came after Abe expressed indignation over the case.
"I feel profound resentment against this self-centred and absolutely despicable crime," he said.
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26/05/2016
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