Condoleezza Rice expresses deep regret over Okinawa rape allegations

Tokyo: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has voiced deep regret for the controversial case surrounding a US Marine's alleged rape of a 14-year-old Japanese girl, on Wednesday.

While speaking to reporters, Rice said, "We just regret deeply that this happened. (It) is very hard to see something like this happen and it's especially hard because it involves a young girl."

Rice, who is in Japan after visiting South Korea and China, added that she hopes the incident will not have long term effects on the US-Japanese relationship, adding that “it's a long standing and strong alliance.''

The incident which has been officially condemned and has sparked great outrage in Japan involves 38-year-old Marine, Tyrone Hadnott, who has been arrested on suspicion of raping the girl in a car on Okinawa island, where most US troops are stationed in Japan.