The statements of the Russian foreign minister are based on the 1956 agreement between Japan and the Soviet Union during the rule of former Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. Khrushchev intended to put an end to the political isolation of the Soviet Union, which began during the time of Joseph Stalin, by returning the two disputed islands.
For the same reason, the Soviet Parliament ratified the plan to return two of the Kuril Islands to Japan.
The disputed islands were occupied by the Soviet Army at the end of World War II, and now Russia refers to them as the Southern Kuril Islands, while Japan considers them part of its northern territory. Japan has called on Russia to return all four of the southern Kuril Islands. But Russia is insisting on keeping two of the four islands because they are located along the only direct maritime route from the Sea of Okhotsk to the Pacific Ocean.
In fact, by retaining sovereignty over two of the four southern Kuril Islands, Russia seeks to maintain its influence in the region and at the same time placate internal political opponents, including military officials.
In addition, Russia intends to reduce its international problems by signing a peace treaty to settle the longstanding dispute with Japan.
Some political analysts believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s offer to return the two islands to Japan and Russia’s recent efforts to settle its territorial disputes with China are part of Putin’s View to the East policy and the continuation of his attempt to boost strategic cooperation with East Asian countries.
With its majority in the Duma, the Putin government should be able to easily resolve the issue.
However, Japan will most likely not accept Russia’s offer because the Japanese regard the Kuril Islands as a national issue.
SA/HG
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MNA