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US envoy apologizes to Japan for minor’s rape

By Xinhua

Tokyo : US Ambassador to Japan Thomas Schieffer Wednesday apologized to the Japanese government over a Marine allegedly raping of a minor girl in southern Japan’s Okinawa prefecture.

During a meeting with Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima in the capital of Naha, Schieffer expressed his deep regret over the incident and offered sincere sympathy to the victim and people concerned, according to Japanese media.

The ambassador, who delivered a letter of apology to the victim and her family members, promised full cooperation with the Japanese side to thoroughly investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, Richard Zilmer, the US forces’ top commander in Okinawa, promised to make full efforts for new measures to prevent such crimes.

During a meeting with senior officials from the Japanese foreign ministry, Zilmer said he will order his underling officials to reconstitute moral education projects.

Tyrone Hadnott, a 38-year-old staff sergeant belonging to the Camp Courtney base, was arrested Monday on suspicion of raping a 14-year-old local girl Sunday night.

Hadnott was sent to prosecutors earlier Tuesday. He admitted touching the girl’s body, but denied the charge of raping.

The incident has aroused widespread protest in Okinawa.