Russia said Sunday that upcoming discussions aimed at resolving a dispute with Japan over a group of islands claimed by Tokyo would not necessarily result in Moscow handing them over.
“Can you say that this means an automatic return of some territories? Certainly not,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian TV.
The dispute over the Kuril chain started at the end of World War II when their annexation by the Soviets was confirmed in peace treaties between the victorious powers and accepted by Tokyo.
However, Tokyo claims that some islands, which it refers to as its Northern Territories, were not covered in the deal and should be returned.
The dispute is an obstacle to a peace treaty between the two nations that would officially bring World War II hostilities to an end.
In September, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that both countries sign a peace treaty this year “without any preconditions,” but Tokyo says the territorial dispute should be settled first.
– With reporting from Agence France-Presse
I honestly think that this dispute is certainly a delicate one. However, if resolved peacefully, it could result in a strengthed-up tie between the two countries. Now, because Russia isn’t likely to turn over the islands, there are three different scenarios that could occur:
a) Japan agrees that the islands remain under Russian control, but with the condition of economical benefits and good relations in the future
b) Russia agrees to turn over islands such as the Habomai and Shikotan, which can be strategic land to Japan
c) Russia agrees to turn over islands such as the Habomai and Shikotan along side with the Kunashiri island, also a strategic and relatively big piece of land. However, with this possible handover, Russia would require big benefits from Japan as well as some "favours" in the geopolitical and economic world that would benefit Russia.
Any other possible consession of land, such as Itorofu, would be extremely unreal at the moment both because of deeper political and strategical factors.
I honestly think that this dispute is certainly a delicate one. However, if resolved peacefully, it could result in a strengthed-up tie between the two countries. Now, because Russia isn’t likely to turn over the islands, there are three different scenarios that could occur:
a) Japan agrees that the islands remain under Russian control, but with the condition of economical benefits and good relations in the future
b) Russia agrees to turn over islands such as the Habomai and Shikotan, which can be strategic land to Japan
c) Russia agrees to turn over islands such as the Habomai and Shikotan along side with the Kunashiri island, also a strategic and relatively big piece of land. However, with this possible handover, Russia would require big benefits from Japan as well as some "favours" in the geopolitical and economic world that would benefit Russia.
Any other possible consession of land, such as Itorofu, would be extremely unreal at the moment both because of deeper political and strategical factors.
The power of the gun speaks the loudest, and is always right.
Japan, if you want those islands back, follow your ancestors!!!
Invade Russia, and take Siberia and your old lost islands back!!!!
The power of the gun speaks the loudest, and is always right.
Japan, if you want those islands back, follow your ancestors!!!
Invade Russia, and take Siberia and your old lost islands back!!!!