February 14, 2008	Thursday	Safar 06, 1429

NAHA (Japan), Feb 13: The US ambassador to Japan offered a personal apology on Wednesday over a US Marine’s alleged rape of a young girl in Okinawa, amid warnings that the incident could damage the countries’ alliance.

US Ambassador Thomas Schieffer flew to the southern island and bowed in front of the governor, pledging cooperation “to ensure that justice is done” in the case.

“Every American in Japan today, whether they are military or civilian, wants the little girl and her family to know that we are thinking of her and hoping that she will soon recover from this traumatic experience,” Schieffer said.

Staff Sergeant Tyrone Luther Hadnott, 38, was arrested on Monday over allegations that he raped a 14-year-old girl in his car on the island, which is home to thousands of US troops.

He has admitted trying to forcibly kiss her but denied raping her. News reports on Wednesday said that Hadnott had a Japanese wife and told police he did not know the girl was underage.

The incident rekindled memories of the gang-rape in 1995 of a 12-year-old girl by three US Marines, which set off major protests on the island and set in motion a process to reduce the number of US troops there.

The United States stations more than 40,000 personnel in Japan under a security treaty to defend its key Asian ally, which has been officially pacifist since World War II.

Okinawa, which was under US control from 1945 to 1972, is home to more than half the troops, and their presence causes frequent friction with local residents.

The Japanese foreign ministry on Tuesday summoned the US embassy’s number two over the rape case in the absence of Schieffer, who was on his way back from an overseas trip.

Schieffer, returning from his day visit to Okinawa, also later headed to the foreign ministry to express his sorrow.

“I would like to express to you and the people of Japan that we sincerely regret this has happened,” Schieffer told reporters before meeting with Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura.

—AFP