Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the issue of the Northern Territories. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin of Russia is looking likely to make a comeback as president. In an interview with the foreign press, including the Asahi Shimbun, he has stated with regard to the Northern Territories that if he is elected president, he seeks to reach a final settlement regarding the issue during his tenure. How does the Japanese Government view this statement by Prime Minister Putin?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I will give you the view of the Government of Japan on this issue. I am aware that Prime Minister Putin has made a statement, which has been reported in the press, that he would like to reach a final settlement, seeking out a mutually acceptable compromise. In his statement Prime Minister Putin noted the importance to Japan-Russia relations of finding a solution to the issue of the Northern Territories, and the Japanese Government hopes to find such a solution given that Prime Minister Putin has stated his desire to find one. With regard to the content of the issues relating to the Northern Territories, the Japanese Government's stance is to continue to engage in inter-governmental consultations in a calm and measured manner, with a view to finding a solution based on the agreements and documents  between Japan and Russia as well as the principles of law and justice.

REPORTER: Can I ask an additional question? In his interview, Prime Minister Putin referred back to his time as president, noting that Japan's insistence on the return of the four islands resulted in negotiations returning to their starting point. He stated that it would be necessary for Japan to demonstrate a flexible stance that does not focus on the return of the four islands. What is the Government's view of this statement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As I have just stated, the stance of the Government of Japan is to continue to engage in inter-governmental consultations in a calm and measured manner, with a view to finding a solution based on the agreements and documents between Japan and Russia as well as the principles of law and justice.