Japan Claims Kuril Islands Again

MOSCOW. April 25. VOSTOK MEDIA – Tokyo will continue to insist on returning the four Kuril islands – Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and Habomai – under its sovereignty.
It was said by the Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda at the meeting with activists of the movement For Return of the Northern Territories. The tough statement was made the day before the Fukuda’s visit in Russia that starts today.
Russia immediately reacted on the words of Fukuda. Its official representatives rejected the idea of transmitting the islands to Japan proposing only the variant of their joint use that doesn’t violate territorial integrity of Russia.
It’s remarkable that on the threshold of the Fukuda’s visit the Pacific Fleet of Russia started maneuvers.