Australia, Japan remain apart over whaling, FTA talks

TOKYO, May 20 Kyodo -
Australia and Japan remained apart Thursday on the issue of whaling and
bilateral negotiations to sign a free trade agreement during a meeting between
Japanese farm minister Hirotaka Akamatsu and Australian Foreign Minister
Stephen Smith.
On whaling, Akamatsu told Smith that eating whale meat is part of Japanese
''food culture.'' But Smith repeated Canberra's call on Japan to cease whaling
in the Antarctic Ocean, according to Japanese officials.
The visiting foreign minister said it would be desirable to settle the issue
diplomatically through negotiations at the International Whaling Committee and
other channels.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd warned earlier this year that Canberra
would resort to international legal action unless Japan halts whaling in the
Antarctic Ocean by November.
Speaking at a press conference later in the day, Smith said, ''We reserve the
right'' to seek a resolution by a third party like the International Court of
Justice.
But he also said Japan and Australia have agreed that the single issue of
whaling ''will not have an adverse impact on the comprehensive economic,
strategic defense and security partnership that Australia and Japan share.''
On FTA negotiations, Akamatsu requested that Australia pay due attention to
''sensitivity'' with regard to Japan signing such a pact, but Smith said his
country hopes to conclude the accord as soon as possible to ensure the two
countries' interests, they said.
Japan and Australia have been negotiating the free trade arrangement since
2007, but talks between the major farm importer and exporter have hit a
stumbling block due partly to Tokyo's reluctance to lower tariffs on dairy and
other farm products.
Japan heavily protects its farm sector with high tariffs.
==Kyodo