Japan recalls ambassador to Moscow after Medvedev's visit to disputed islands

Japan recalls ambassador to Moscow after Medvedev's visit to disputed islands

2010-11-02 21:29:57 GMT+7 (ICT)

TOKYO (BNO NEWS) -- Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara on Monday recalled the Japanese ambassador to Moscow following Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's visit to one of the the disputed south Kuril Islands, located in the far east of Russia and northern area of Japan.

Maehara summoned Mikhail Bely, Ambassador to Japan of Russia, for about 20 minutes on Monday to express his regret and lodged representations following Medvedev's visit to Kunashiri Island.

In response, Ambassador Bely expressed Russia's basic position, and stated that Medvedev's visit is purely a domestic matter and stressed that the worsening of Russo-Japan relations is not beneficial for both sides.

"President Medvedev's visit to Kunashiri Island contradicts with Japan's basic position and neglects the feelings of the Japanese people," Maehara said. "It is extremely regrettable and Japan lodges a protest."

Maehara had earlier warned that Medvedev's visit to the island would deteriorate Japan-Russo relations but, despite this, the visit went ahead as planned. Maehara said it raises doubt about the Russian government's stated intention to enhance its relationship with Japan.

"The Government of Japan has no choice but to take appropriate action in response to President Medvedev's visit to the Northern Territories and the President's remarks and activities during the visit," Maehara told Bely. "I request you to convey this message to your government."

The disputed islands are known in Russia as the Southern Kurlis, while in Japan they are called the Northern Territory. Medvedev's visit marked the first such visit from a Russian or Soviet leader.

"On diplomacy toward Russia, we [intend to] resolve the territorial issue and conclude a peace treaty to strengthen Japan-Russia relations," Maehara said during a press conference. "The main direction has not changed."

The south Kuril Islands were seized from Japan by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II and Medvedev's visit made it clear that Russia has no plans to cede the mineral-rich territory despite strong protests from Japan.

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