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Prime Minister Attends the 2008 National Rally to Demand the Return of the Northern Territories Thursday, February 7, 2008 JAPANESE

Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda attended the 2008 National Rally to Demand the Return of the Northern Territories, held in Tokyo. The National Rally to call for the early return of the Four Northern Islands (Habomai, Shikotan, Kunashiri and Etorofu), which are an integral part of Japan's sovereign territory, is held on February 7 as it marks Northern Territories Day, established with the aim of arousing national interest in and deepening understanding of the Northern Territories issue and further promoting the progress of the national movement for the return of the Northern Territories. In his address, Prime Minister Fukuda stated, "Japan places importance on continuing to strengthen its bilateral relations with Russia as an important neighbor sharing a number of interests with Japan on various issues. It goes without saying that resolution of the issue of the Northern Territories and the conclusion of a peace treaty are essential for elevating our bilateral relations to a new level." He continued, "In accordance with Japan's basic position to resolve the issue of attribution of the Four Northern Islands, which are an integral part of Japan's sovereign territory, and to conclude a peace treaty, I intend to advance the negotiations with continued resolve."