Northern Territories day hampers Russia-Japan relations - FM.

MOSCOW, February 9 (Itar-Tass) -- The concept of the 'Northern
Territories day' hampers the development of good-neighbourly and partner relations between Russia and Japan, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

"It goes without saying that the 'day' concept aimed to support,
including from the propaganda point of view, Japan's territorial claims to
Russia cannot promote the development of good-neighbourly, partner
relations between the two countries," the ministry said commenting on the
February 7 events held on occasion of the so-called 'Northern Territories
day', including a nationwide rally attended by the country's leaders.
"Russia's stance on the problem of the peace treaty with Japan,
including border demarcation aspects, is that it is necessary to seek a
mutually acceptable solution that would be based on adequate understanding
of historic and legal environment and would be recognized by Russia's and
Japan's community and parliaments. Evidently, the search for a solution
would be more efficient if it is accompanied by active joint efforts to
promote the Russian-Japanese relations in general," the ministry said.
"In the interests of developing partner relations with Japan, the
Russian side is ready to continue a dialogue on the above mentioned issues
based on equal rights and mutual respect," the ministry added.
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