Japan says Russia meeting is still on despite Kuril row

TOKYO. November 2. KAZINFORM The Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan plans to meet the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev later this month, amid a territorial dispute; Kazinform refers to BBC News.
None
None

Japan's chief spokespersion Yoshito Sengoku said he believed the meeting at an Asia Pacific summit would go ahead.

This is despite the sudden flaring of a long-standing row between Japan and Russia over the Kuril Islands.

Mr Medvedev visited one of the four disputed islands on Monday, a move Japan said was "regrettable".

The government says it is considering whether any further measures need to be taken over the visit.

It summoned Russia's ambassador to Tokyo on Monday to express displeasure at the visit.

The summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation set for 13-14 November in Japan may offer a chance for talks however.

"I believe the bilateral meeting will be held," Mr Sengoku said.

The Japanese Economic Minister Banri Kaieda told reporters he was concerned about possible economic repercussions of the row with Russia, over islands located in rich fishing grounds.

"Japan and Russia have deep ties when it comes to energy and natural resources development," Mr Kaieda said.

"I am worried about the impact on economic relations from the Russian president's visit to the Northern Territories," he said, using the Japanese name for what Russia calls the Southern Kuriles; Kazinform cites BBC News.

See www.bbc.co.uk for full version.

Currently reading