Hatoyama wants equal ties with US 50 years after pact signed

TOKYO: Japan's prime minister said yesterday he will press for more equal ties with Washington this year, the 50th anniversary of a joint security treaty that grants many special privileges to US troops stationed in the country.

Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, in a New Year's speech shown live on national television, said he hopes the alliance will evolve to become more open and candid.

It is important "for both sides to be able to firmly say what needs to be said, and to increase the relationship of trust," he said.