politics

Abe seeks breakthrough with Russia on long-disputed islands

10 Comments
By Linda Sieg and Nobuhiro Kubo

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There would be a lot of opposition to giving in completely on the other two, but if it’s a matter of postponing until a bit later,

What world do these Japanese politicians live in?

The only way that Russia will agree to returning the 2 small islets is with an explicit Japanese acknowledgement that the remaining 2 islands are Russian forever.

What's so laughable is that Japan could have had that agreement back in 1954 and saved a lot of time and energy.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

I would put the odds of this failing as something like 95%. The politics behind both country's stance will manage to sabotage any compromise. And contrary to what this article claims, I don't think US is agonizing over a potential deal.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

We all know the Russians would take all the land in the World if they could. This situation with these islands is, they are Japanese and it is time to return them to Japan.

-10 ( +4 / -14 )

Former Japanese lawmaker Muneo Suzuki

Jailed for corruption.

Kazuhiko Togo, an ex-Japanese diplomat

Fired from MOFA for corruption and "personal crimes".

What a joke this is, an utter farce. As Gary Raynor said above, what kind of fantasy world do these politicians inhabit?

http://www.jpri.org/publications/workingpapers/wp86.html

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I will resolve the territorial issue,

Well, there goes the possibility of the issue being resolved in the next 71 years. Also, are the islands disputed by the de-facto and de-jure owner of those islands? Or does Russia call them "bargaining chips"?

Which brings up the question, how long can Country A occupy and own land formerly occupied and owned by Country B before that land becomes part of Country A?

The caliphate of the Umayyads occupied and owned most of Spain for 900 years; Spain has owned and occupied Spain for only about 550 years. Isn't most of Spain still part of the Umayyad caliphate? (If it existed;)

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Too late (in the 21st Century)... Focus on more productive things like getting back the abductees from the DPRK.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

“I will resolve the territorial issue..."

And how many times has he boasted and vowed this already?

"...Abe, who has met Putin 14 times since his first 2006-2007 premiership..."

Ah, 14 times! During those times, of course, quite a few 180s have taken place as well. What I can see happening is that Abe will tell people at home he is aiming to get all four islands back, 100%. He'll tell Putin that in exchange for officially signing a peace treaty and making energy contracts, he's willing to accept "some" of the islands back (vague). Putin will agree to a certain amount of return of sovereignty. Abe will pump his fists and say he achieved his goal. The right-wingers will complain it is not 100%, some very angrily suggesting that no energy deals go forward until the remainder of the 100% be returned. Abe will ask them for their cooperation, saying the return of a certain percent will be followed by the rest in time. He'll vow it. Russia will be watching the rhetoric and say they made no such promise and do not intend at all to return the remainder, and that Japan must make good on it's side of the deal immediately. The right-wing will not allow it. Abe will flounder, asking for Putin's understanding, cooperation, and for Putin to make an exception for Abe's promise to the people. Putin will laugh and take back the offer. Abe will claim Japan is the victim. Abe will then make plans to invite Putin over to discuss the issue, vowing to get back the islands... repeat... repeat... repeat...

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Who do you think you are kidding? The only "breakthrough" that will materialize is when Japan cedes the islands to Russia,

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Gary RaynorOct. 01, 2016 - 07:23AM JST What's so laughable is that Japan could have had that agreement back in 1954 and saved a lot of time and energy.

It's only "laughable" to those not aware that the United States pressed Japan to not accept the 2 island deal. Not if the expected us to eventually return Okinawa to them. They made the right call.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

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