Wednesday, November 3, 2010



Japan has temporarily recalled its ambassador to Moscow, Russia's capital, in a move that threatens to deepen a diplomatic row between the two countries over a chain of disputed Pacific islands.

Relations between the nations soured after Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's president, visited the Kuril Islands, which were seized by Soviet troops at the end of the Second World War, on Monday.

Seiji Maehara, Japan's foreign minister, said Tuesday's decision to call back its ambassador was not intended to be antagonistic, but added that Tokyo wished to "make our position clear".

The dispute over the islands has coloured relations between Tokyo and Moscow since the end of the war, preventing the signing of a formal peace treaty.

"We have a territorial problem and that needs to be solved," Maehara said.

"But our basic policy of concluding a peace treaty with Russia and strengthening economic relations once that problem is settled remains unchanged."

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My opinion
I agree what japan did in order to clarify the situation of japan regarding this island. Furthermore, disputed island should be belong to japan regardless the history of this island. Also, the visit of Russian Presidents looks so irritated to diplomacy between two these country. However, Russian may want to talk with Japan using hard way in order to express the Russian power to the world. Russia use this time specifically because the new prime minister,who is currently struggling with a divided parliament and fragile economy, has come under fire for what critics claim was his mishandling of a separate territorial dispute with China, and is under pressure to look firm on this occasion.


http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/11/201011214117845359.html

3 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. I also agree with the point that Japan tries to make our position clear. Japan has avoided to collide with Russia for a long time. Certainly, it is impossible to console in ICJ because Russia will not accept. Now Japan's diplomatic skills are being put to the test. the result of this issue would surely affect the territorial dispute with China, and either will it. Japan should take a strong attitude to Russia, instead of keeping whispered. It is a big step to solve this problem.

    by Genshu

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  3. The choice that Russian president make to visit these islands despite their diplomatic controversy is a step that the Russian president make in order to take benfit of the sign of weakness that Japan showed in the resolution of its conflict with China. This is also a sign that The alliance between Japan and USA is weake now, because Washington can't react to support The Japaness Government.Territory is a sensitive issue in international relations and it can lead to major crisis, but The position of the Japaness military would not help them to prevent any invasion of these islands by Russia or by China. Things have been changed and the power of USA is decreasing so now it's time for new conflict because another Power has to emerge.

    ERIC ROLEX JOSEPH

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