Koizumi is not qualified to engage in territorial talks: JCP Shii

In a one-on-one debate in the Diet on April 10, Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo denounced Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro for refusing to investigate into the "dual policy" concerning Japan-Russia territorial talks.

"In light of the matter giving grave damage to Japan's sovereignty and national interests, a prime minister who won't even try to investigate the case is not qualified to deal with territorial negotiations with Russia," Shii stated.

Shii was referring to a revelation that Dietmember Suzuki Muneo and a senior Foreign Ministry official, in talks with Russian officials floated the idea of settlement of the territorial disputes that contradicts the government's official position.

On March 5, 2001, Japanese and Russian foreign ministers held official territorial talks. In the evening, Suzuki joined Foreign Ministry officials in a secret meeting with the Russian representatives.

At the official talks, Japan requested the return of the "four Russian-held islands" off Hokkaido (Habomai, Shikotan, Kunashiri, and Etorofu). Later, in the secret talks, Suzuki suggested that the territorial question could be solved if Russia agrees to return two of them, Habomai and Shikotan (both originally part of Hokkaido--ed.).

A Foreign Ministry briefing paper showed that the first meeting ended in failure. But a record of the other meeting, which was sent to Shii, showed that Japan proposed the reversion of the "two islands" by tuning itself to the Russian policy that "Russo-Japan territorial negotiations will be over with the return of the two islands."

In the secret meeting, Suzuki criticized the then ministers in charge of the Russian-held northern territories issue and foreign affairs for demanding the return of the "four islands," and turned down the proposal.

"This is nothing but a double-track foreign policy, isn't it?" Shii questioned.

Prime Minister Koizumi replied that the statements were made by Suzuki in his private capacity, and not by the government.

Shii refuted Koizumi's argument, stressing the fact that Togo Kazuhiko, then Foreign Ministry European Affairs Bureau director who was in charge of territorial negotiations with Russia, was present at both meetings.

Quoting Suzuki as often saying, "I completely share views with director Togo," Shii stressed, "It is natural for the Russian side to regard the second meeting as government-to-government talks."

Explaining the JCP position that all the Chishima (Kurile) Islands should be returned to Japan, Shii stated that Suzuki and Togo went against the government's official policy (of demanding the return of the four islands), compromised with Russia, distorted the government's policy, and harmed national interests.

The prime minister must fully investigate the matter and make a full report to the Diet, said the JCP chair. (end)