Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� February, 2002

Prime Minister Attends the 2002 National Rally to Demand the Return of Northern Territories Thursday, February 7, 2002 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi attended the 2002 National Rally to Demand the Return of the Northern Territories, held at Kudan Kaika, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. On behalf of the Government, Prime Minister Koizumi addressed that there has been no change in the position of clarifying the attribution to Japan of the four Northern Islands of Habomai, Shikotan, Kunashiri and Etorofu, and concluding a peace treaty with the Russian Federation. The Prime Minister expressed his resolve to continue negotiations with Russia, embracing a sense of unity with all the people of Japan in participating in movements to demand the return of the Northern Territories. This was followed by speeches from Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi, Minister of State for Northern Territories Affairs Koji Omi and other concerned parties involved in seeking the return of the Islands. In closing, an Appeal was adopted that expressed a resolve to strive to further enhance the movements demanding the return of the Northern Territories.