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Monday, September 12, 2011 (AM)
Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)
[Provisional Translation]
Q&As
(Abridged)
REPORTER:On a separate topic, I've heard that a top official in Russia recently visited Kunashir Island in the Northern Territories. I would like to ask about the facts the Government grasps and its response.
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA:On September 11, Secretary of the Security Council of Russia Nikolai Patrushev visited the Northern Territories. This action runs counter to the stance of Japan, and we find it truly regrettable. Japan cannot accept a visit to the Northern Territories by an important member of the Russian Government. We have already communicated our position to Russia at a number of levels. In any case, Japan and Russia have agreed to find a solution to the Northern Territories issue based on the agreements and documents we have concluded up until now, and to eventually to conclude a peace treaty. The important point here is that both countries should conduct negotiations in good faith toward a solution to this issue.
(Abridged)
