TOKYO, April 19 (Itar-Tass) - Despite repeated statements made in Tokyo that it is necessary to build up a bridge between Russia and Japan in a territorial dispute on South Kuril islands Russia does not see Japan taking any steps yet for the rapprochement of its positions on the territorial problem and a peace treaty, Russian ambassador to Japan Alexander Losyukov declared in an interview with Itar-Tass.
Recently, vague hints have been made that it is necessary to look for ways of settlement and bridge the gap between the positions of the two countries on the problem, but no concrete proposals have surfaced yet, Losyukov said. One might talk about building bridges only after Japan presents its proposals on paper, Losyukov said.
For the time being, the positions outlined by the two sides are diametrically opposite. Russia suggested a settlement on the 1956 pattern (Russia turns over a smaller part of Kuril islands - the island of Shikotan and a deserted part of the Habomai island, to Japan - Tass comment). This is an old variant on which a compromise is possible. Nonetheless, it is a step towards settlement because earlier, Russia did not recognize the existence of the territorial problem altogether, the ambassador said.
However, Japan shows no signs of making headway in settlement of the problem. On the contrary, recently, Japan has made quite a few statements such as "no step back" or "either four islands or nothing at all," Losyukov said.
Under such conditions, hoping for any breakthrough in settlement of the territorial problem, which was not even discussed at an expert level, is pointless, Losyukov concluded.
Acknowledgement: All available information and documents in "Justice For North Caucasus Group" is provided for the "fair use". There should be no intention for ill-usage of any sort of any published item for commercial purposes and in any way or form. JFNC is a nonprofit group and has no intentions for the distribution of information for commercial or advantageous gain. At the same time consideration is ascertained that all different visions, beliefs, presentations and opinions will be presented to visitors and readers of all message boards of this site. Providing, furnishing, posting and publishing the information of all sources is considered a right to freedom of opinion, speech, expression, and information while at the same time does not necessarily reflect, represent, constitute, or comprise the stand or the opinion of this group. If you have any concerns contact us directly at:
eagle@JusticeForNorthCaucasus.com