DATE=11/16/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RUMSFELD / ASIA (S)

NUMBER=2-309870

BYLINE=AMY BICKERS

DATELINE=TOKYO

CONTENT=

INTRO: U-S Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says a new timetable for self-rule in Iraq does not mean that American forces there will withdraw sooner. As V-O-A's Amy Bickers reports from Tokyo, Mr. Rumsfeld made the comments en route to Okinawa, Japan, where he heard grievances about the heavy U-S military presence on the island.

TEXT: U-S Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says that an accelerated plan to hand over power from the U-S-led occupation to an Iraqi government will not affect the American military presence in the war-torn nation.

He says the new timetable relates to the "governance aspect of the country, and not the security aspect."

Mr. Rumsfeld spoke Sunday to reporters traveling with him to Okinawa, in southern Japan, where about 30-thousand U-S troops are based.

He met with Okinawa Governor Keiichi Inamine, who requested changes to the bases to relieve tensions with residents, who have been angered by crimes committed by U-S servicemen over the past few years.

Mr. Rumsfeld told him the United States plans to realign its forces, which could mean changes in Japan. But he said he was not yet ready to make specific proposals.

The defense secretary is wrapping up a three-day trip to Japan and goes next to South Korea, where he will discuss the future status of U-S forces. (SIGNED)

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