Defense Agency chief Hosei Norota expressed hope Friday that the site to relocate U.S. Marine Corps helicopter operations at Futenma Air Station in Okinawa will be selected by the end of the year.

"Personally, I hope the question is settled by the end of the year," Norota told a news conference after the day's regular Cabinet meeting.

At the same time, Norota said the government will not push for a decision without consent of local authorities, adding that he wants Okinawa's project team on the issue to come to a conclusion as soon as possible.