Asia-Pacific

Japan warns Russia against visits to disputed isles

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-11-03 17:30
Large Medium Small

TOKYO - Japan warned Moscow on Wednesday against more visits to rocky islands claimed by both countries, Kyodo news agency reported, after Russia's president stopped off in one of the isles this week, sparking a diplomatic row.

Related readings:
Japan warns Russia against visits to disputed isles Japan-US treaty does not apply to Kuril Islands
Japan warns Russia against visits to disputed isles Japan recalls envoy over Russia row
Japan warns Russia against visits to disputed isles Japan says PM to meet Russian president despite row
Japan warns Russia against visits to disputed isles Medvedev visits disputed island, draws Tokyo's ire

"We have conveyed our position that the Northern Territories are Japanese territory. We would like them to act accordingly," Kyodo quoted Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara as telling reporters after a meeting with Tokyo's ambassador to Moscow, who returned on Wednesday after President Dmitry Medvedev's visit to the islands.

Russia said on Tuesday that Medvedev planned more trips to islands seized by the Soviet Union from Japan at the end of World War Two, deepening a serious rift with Tokyo.

Japan said it would temporarily recall its ambassador from Moscow after Medvedev this week became the first Russian leader to visit the desolate islands, known as the Southern Kuriles in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan.