31.01 Russia, Japan Start Peace Treaty Talks in Tokyo

MOSCOW, January 31 (RIA Novosti) – Senior Russian and Japanese diplomats started consultations Friday in Tokyo in a bid to end a territorial row that has kept the two nations from signing a World War II peace treaty.

Tensions have traditionally centered on the disputed northern Pacific archipelago of the Kurill Islands, known as the Northern Territories by Japan, which were secured by the Soviet Union in 1945 as the war was at its close. Japan still claims the territory.

Russian deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov said both sides were ready for consultations on the most important issues of bilateral relations and international issues.

“This is the first formal round on the peace treaty between Russia and Japan, which will focus on the historic aspect,” Morgulov said.

Russia believes that the resolution of the Kurill Islands issue must be acceptable to both parties and based on the recognition of results of World War II under the UN Charter.