Teacher ShelleTerritory settlement 'impossible' now: Russia
  "Settlement is impossible for now," the official said, adding that enhancing bilateral relations through measures such as economic cooperation should come first. The remarks were interpreted as suggesting the Russian government will shelve negotiations over the islands for the time being and instead encourage Japanese corporations to start businesses and invest in Russia. The Russian official expressed the view after President Dmitry Medvedev in November visited Kunashiri Island, one of the four Russian-held islands claimed by Japan off Hokkaido, marking the first visit by a Moscow leader. The Russian official emphasized the importance of strengthening overall bilateral relations, saying such efforts will help Japan and Russia work toward settling the territory issue as a result. "Our policy toward Japan has not changed, and we just hope to enhance ties with Japan," the official said, while referring to stepped-up activities by Japanese businesses in the Russian market. Tokyo and Moscow are at odds over the islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri and Shikotan as well as the Habomai islet group. The territory was seized by the Soviet Union following Japan's surrender in World War II on Aug. 15, 1945. source: www.japantimes.co.jp |