Japanese PM identifies obstacle to peace treaty with Russia

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has stated that during negotiations for a peace treaty with Russia, the issue of the sovereignty over four islands in the southern Kuril chain is being discussed.

Leader of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party Yoshihiko Noda has asked the prime minister to clarify how many islands are involved in the dispute over the peace agreement with the Russian Federation, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

“The subject of negotiations for a peace treaty with Russia is the issue of the sovereignty of four islands. This is Japan's position. Due to Russia's invasion in Ukraine, the Japan-Russia relations are in a difficult situation, but the government is maintaining its course to resolve the problem with the northern territories and conclude a peace treaty,” Ishiba said.

Previously, he also stated that Tokyo remains committed to resolving the territorial issue and signing a peace treaty with Moscow, despite the challenges in bilateral relations. 

After World War II, Moscow and Tokyo held negotiations to reach a peace agreement, but the dispute over the southern Kurils has prevented the signing of a treaty. Japan contests the sovereignty of Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and a group of smaller islands.

Earlier, Spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova outlined the conditions for resuming dialogue with Japan on the peace treaty.

By Naila Huseynova