Thursday, February 17, 2011

Russia-held isles past point of return

Moscow woos other outsiders, ups defenses

By MASAMI ITO

Japan has failed for more than half a century to secure the return of four islands seized by Soviet forces off Hokkaido near the end of World War II, and Moscow's recent moves to bolster its hold on the territories dims the likelihood of any concessions from Russia.

Moscow is now threatening to push Japan out of the picture by reaching out to China and South Korea to join in on economic development of the South Kurils, which, according to Russia includes the four disputed islands Tokyo officially calls the Northern Territories.

Read more on http://search.japantimes.co.jp/

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