ID :
489361
Fri, 04/20/2018 - 13:17
Auther :

Japan Protests against Russian Military Exercises on Disputed Isles

Tokyo, April 19 (Jiji Press)--Japan has lodged a protest with Russia through diplomatic channels over its military exercises conducted on the Kuril Islands, which include four Russian-held islands claimed by Japan, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Thursday. "Russia's move to strengthen its military capabilities on those four northwestern Pacific islands is not compatible with our country's position," Suga said at a press conference. He said Tokyo hopes to promote talks with Moscow with the aim of resolving the issue of sovereignty over the islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan, and concluding a peace treaty to formally end their World War II hostilities. Russia's Eastern Military District said Wednesday it has begun exercises, which involve more than 2,500 personnel and about 800 vehicles, on the Kurils. The exercises may be conducted on Kunashiri or Etorofu, two of the four islands. The Russian military has been deploying advanced missiles and other military equipment on the islands, which it positions as a key military foothold in the Russian Far East. The four islands were seized from Japan by Soviet troops in the closing days of World War II. The territorial dispute prevents Tokyo and Moscow from concluding a peace treaty. END

X