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Japan Beefed Up by Disputed Territories
Japan has toughened its stance in territorial disputes with the neighboring countries. In its resolution, Japan’s parliament presses ahead for getting back from Russia all disputed territories, i.e. the Kuril Islands in whole, up to Kamchatka and South Sakhalin.
The situation has exacerbated not only for Russia. Late past week, Japan voiced its claims over the Korean Tokto. In return, South Korea has reached out for Tsushima. As to Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is expected in Japan on May 30-31 to talk over arranging the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Tokyo.
In the RF Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they are sure the visit will make sense only if the parties seal documents to accelerate bilateral cooperation. Tokyo counts on spotting the ways to settle territorial problems. Moscow is less optimistic and doesn't expect Tokyo to condescend to the Declaration of 1956, which sets forth the return of the two from the four disputed islands. The more so, under the pressure of Japanese communists, the parliament of the country eyes not only the four Kuril Islands but all “disputed territories.”
Japan’s communists have been traditionally more aggressive than the ruling parties in issues related to disputed territories. But for the first time in the history of the conflict, their demands, which refer to the Kuril Islands, in part and in whole, and to the South Sakhalin as disputed territories, have been stipulated in the formal resolution of the parliament
Japan appears stepping up its challenge in fight for the islands’ return. More like than not, it will raise “disputed territories” issue in the course of Lavrov’s visit. Past Friday, a Japanese hiker broke the database of the foreign ministry of South Korea. Foreign legations in the South Korea are warned of the new attacks. The battle for islands has been unleashed.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Mar. 21, 2005
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