October 12, 2016
Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Koike Akira, regarding the return of the Habomai island chain and the Shikotan in the Russian-held northern territories, insisted, “The return of the two islands ahead of the other islands in the territories may be an acceptable option. However, Japan must not sign a peace pact if accepting that option.”
He said this on October 11 to the press corps in the Diet building when asked for a comment on the recently-emerged idea within the Abe government that Japan should agree to the return of the two islands first in the bilateral territorial talks and conclude a peace treaty with Russia.
The JCP has consistently contended that Japan lay its claim to the entire Chishima Archipelago in the negotiations on the northern territorial issue. In addition, the party has always argued that the Habomais and Shikotan are part of Hokkaido and not part of the Chishima Islands, and thus they should be returned to Japan as early as possible before the conclusion of the treaty.
Koike stressed that if Japan is in agreement with the return of the two islands first and intends to make some sort of treaty with Russia, it should seek an interim pact such as a treaty of amity.
He pointed out, “A peace treaty on the return of only the two islands will lead to the confirmation of a border between Japan and Russia. Accordingly, such a treaty will close the door for Japan to further negotiate the territorial issue with Russia.”
“The JCP has long insisted on the return of the entire chain of the Chishimas to Japan, but the conclusion of a pact on the return of only the Habomais and Shikotan will make it impossible for the Japanese government to reclaim the return of the Kunashiri and the Etorofu,” Koike warned.
Past related articles:
> Territorial expansion of former Soviet Union needs to be corrected [August 1, 2012]
> JCP Kami: Negotiation with Russia on territories should be based on fact and reason [February 8, 2012]
> Shii gives gov’t suggestion to solve Japan-Russia territorial issue [November 10, 2010]
> Historical record of Japan-Russia territorial question [November 2, 2010]
He said this on October 11 to the press corps in the Diet building when asked for a comment on the recently-emerged idea within the Abe government that Japan should agree to the return of the two islands first in the bilateral territorial talks and conclude a peace treaty with Russia.
The JCP has consistently contended that Japan lay its claim to the entire Chishima Archipelago in the negotiations on the northern territorial issue. In addition, the party has always argued that the Habomais and Shikotan are part of Hokkaido and not part of the Chishima Islands, and thus they should be returned to Japan as early as possible before the conclusion of the treaty.
Koike stressed that if Japan is in agreement with the return of the two islands first and intends to make some sort of treaty with Russia, it should seek an interim pact such as a treaty of amity.
He pointed out, “A peace treaty on the return of only the two islands will lead to the confirmation of a border between Japan and Russia. Accordingly, such a treaty will close the door for Japan to further negotiate the territorial issue with Russia.”
“The JCP has long insisted on the return of the entire chain of the Chishimas to Japan, but the conclusion of a pact on the return of only the Habomais and Shikotan will make it impossible for the Japanese government to reclaim the return of the Kunashiri and the Etorofu,” Koike warned.
Past related articles:
> Territorial expansion of former Soviet Union needs to be corrected [August 1, 2012]
> JCP Kami: Negotiation with Russia on territories should be based on fact and reason [February 8, 2012]
> Shii gives gov’t suggestion to solve Japan-Russia territorial issue [November 10, 2010]
> Historical record of Japan-Russia territorial question [November 2, 2010]
