"We have not reached this decision lightly and in the course of our examination of the situation we have researched more than 40 different candidate sites for the (base's) relocation both in and outside of Japan, including Tokunoshima, but the Marine Corps. have to be an integrated operation and need to work together to carry out their duties to provide security," Hatoyama said.

"I will make every effort to ensure the burden on the people of Okinawa is eased and I ask the people of Japan to unite and share the pain of Okinawans -- I extend my heartfelt apologies to the people of Okinawa and ask for other prefectures' understanding of the situation and need to share some of the training exercises from bases in Okinawa," the premier said.

Hatoyama's popularity has plummeted since taking office eight months ago, in part due to back-down on his election promise to move the Futenma base out of Okinawa or even Japan, and Fukushima' s dismissal may further hurt Hatoyama's DPJ party's chances in upper house elections in July.

Local media reported Friday that Susumu Inamine, mayor of Nago, whose coastal area Henoko will host Futenma's replacement facilities, maintained Friday, "The probability of the marine base being relocated there is zero," adding that he would not even involve himself in further negotiations with the central government.

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