Japan officially names the southern Kuril Islands "illegally occupied" by Russia
The Southern Kuril Islands are "illegally occupied" by Russia. In Japan, they officially returned to the wording that had not been used for 19 years. The non-recognition of Russia's sovereignty over the islands is spelled out in the Blue Book of Diplomacy, published by the Japanese Foreign Ministry annually since 1957.
Today, April 22, 2022, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs published an annual guide to foreign policy called "The Blue Book". According to the Japanese press, a new wording has appeared in the document regarding the southern Kuril Islands, which has not been used since 2003. They were again called "illegally occupied" and did this against the backdrop of Russia's special operation in Ukraine. The fact that the islands "belong" to Japan has been claimed for the past 11 years.
The document clearly states that due to the fact that the Russian army is conducting a military operation in Ukraine, it is difficult to talk about the prospects for concluding a peace treaty and returning the "illegally occupied" "northern territories."
says the Blue Book.
Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced the termination of negotiations with Japan on a peace treaty in connection with the unfriendly policy of Tokyo against the background of the military operation conducted by the Russian army in Ukraine. At the same time, Moscow banned visa-free entry to the Kuril Islands for Japanese citizens and suspended joint economic activities in the South Kuriles.
Such actions of Russia greatly surprised the Japanese, who literally said: "What are we for?" Tokyo expressed bewilderment at the decision, saying that the sanctions they are imposing against Russia should not be linked to peace treaty negotiations.
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