Former Japanese FM leaves for Russia's island of Iturup

5/8 Tass 52

TOKYO, August 5 (Itar-Tass) -- Former Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji
Maehara, who is considered by political circles of Tokyo to be one of
possible pretenders to the post of prime minister, has left for the
Russian island of Iturup within the framework of the visa-free exchange
programme on Friday. As the local media reported, the Japanese delegation
left for the region of South Kuriles from the port of Nemuro (Hokkaido).
Maehara plans to visit Iturup on August 6-7 within a group of about 50
Japanese citizens with the aim of "familiarising himself with the
infrastructure created there," which is "part of the process of studying
Russia's politics by him." In 2006, he had already visited Iturup within
the framework of the same programme.
Being at present a deputy of the lower chamber of the parliament from
the ruling Democratic Party of Japan, Maehara has a reputation of a
"hawk." When he was the minister of transport and foreign minister, he
made several sharp statements with regard to Japan's territorial claims to
Russia.
Before today's departure from Nemuro on board a Japanese vessel, the
Japanese politician stated that "this time he intends to familiarise
himself with those changes which have taken place in the infrastructure of
the island of Iturup and the life of the local population since his
previous trip."
The return of Seiji Maehara and other members of the delegation to the
Japanese port of Nemuro is scheduled for August 8.