Japan rally for return of Russia-held Kuril islands wary of upsetting Moscow as talks border on breakthrough
- Organisers of the annual Northern Territories Day demonstration may refrain from using the phrase ‘illegally occupied’ to describe Russia’s claim on the islands
The organisers of an annual rally to call for the return of Russian-held islands may refrain from issuing a declaration that includes language that could upset Moscow, as Japan seeks a breakthrough in the decades-old territorial dispute, sources close to the matter said Sunday.
The annual rally on February 7, designated as Northern Territories Day, is organised by members of the public and private sectors. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has attended the rallies in the past and is expected to do so this year.
The sources said the organisers are considering dropping from the declaration terms that could be deemed sensitive, as ongoing talks to settle the territorial dispute and sign a post-war peace treaty with Russia are believed to be reaching a crucial stage.
The Japanese leader is believed to be pursuing a June timeline to reach a broad agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is expected to visit Japan that month for the Group of 20 summit.
The sources said organisers have been closely watching the development of the negotiations and are leaning toward the view that they should avoid using terms that risk provoking Russia.
