Japan to drop Russia's claim to Kuril Islands to sign peace treaty
The Japanese government may ask Moscow to drop its joint claims on any compensation related to the South Kuril Islands, the Yomiuri newspaper wrote, citing sources.
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| South Kuril Islands. Photo: Sputnik |
It is believed that this proposal will be announced during the next round of talks on a peace treaty between the two countries. According to press sources, the relevant document may be signed simultaneously with the peace treaty. The supplementary agreement is expected to help complete the post-war process and strengthen bilateral relations.
Previously, the Japanese government believed that the South Kuril Islands had been "occupied" since World War II and that Tokyo had the right to demand "compensation" from Moscow for this. However, Japan now believes that such statements will hinder negotiations on concluding a peace treaty.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed on January 7 to make every effort to complete negotiations with Russia on a peace treaty, saying there would be a historic "turning point" in the territorial dispute between the two countries this year.
