Putin, Gemba to discuss disputed Kuril IslandsJuly 27, 2012 - 13:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Japan’s Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba on Saturday, July 28 to discuss the disputed Kuril Islands, the Kremlin said. Acccording to RIA Novosti, Gemba, who is currently on a visit to Russia, will meet Putin in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi “to hold a substantial discussion on the territorial issue” and “lay ground for the further meeting of both leaders.” Japan’s senior diplomatic official will also meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss signing the World War II peace treaty, which Japan has consistently refused to sign because of its territorial claims on Russia. On Wednesday, Gemba said that he considered it possible for the disputed Kuril Islands to be jointly used with Russia. Gemba was among the first Japanese politicians who openly said Japan might accept Russia’s proposal to jointly develop the four disputed islands, which Japan calls its “Northern Territories,” if the form of cooperation is in line with Japan’s official stance. The Kuril Islands dispute has clouded relations between Moscow and Tokyo for decades. Japan claims the four islands, Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan and Habomai, based on the 1855 Treaty of Shimoda, the first Russo-Japanese agreement addressing the status of Sakhalin Island and the Kurils. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |