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Young Descendants of Former Inhabitants of the Northern Territories of Japan Pay Courtesy Call on the Prime Minister Thursday, July 24, 2008 JAPANESE

Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda received a courtesy call from the young people descended from families who once lived in the Northern Territories of Japan at the Prime Minister's Office. Seven young people visited Prime Minister Fukuda on this occasion, including Mr. Koichi Abe from Hakuryo Junior High School in Nemuro City and Miss Rena Miyoshi from Shunshou Junior High School in Rausu Town. At the beginning of their meeting, the young people spoke about their feelings and ideas on the Northern Territories. Mr. Koichi Abe said, "Prime Minister, I would like to say thank you for taking up the Northern Territories issue at your recent meeting in Hokkaido with the Russian President. We wish for the return of the Northern Territories so that our grandparents can live there once again." In response, Prime Minister Fukuda said, "The stories that you shared with me today were all impressive, each single word well conveying your feelings and ideas on the Northern Territories. Please try to share your thoughts with people around you on various occasions." The Prime Minister furthermore said, "Although the return of the Four Northern Islands is a matter of negotiation between two countries, it is also important to understand how the people in respective countries -- for us, the Russian people -- view the issue. The recent meeting that I had with the Russian President reaffirmed my belief that Russia, too, wants to be a good friend of Japan. This is a good opportunity for all of us. On our part, we the politicians will do our utmost in addressing the issue, and we ask for your strong support in this respect. Likewise, we will support your activities. Let's unite our efforts to advance this campaign."