Tokyo Moscow expresses protest because of the military exercises of the Russian side on the disputed island of Iturup. This was stated by Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, it cites Kyodo News.
From 26 to 29 August, the Russian Defense Ministry will conduct exercises on the island of Etorofu, which Japan considers its territory. In addition, from 13 to 17 September will be held shooting, Kato said. “We expressed our protest to Russia and said that such exercises are unacceptable,” – said the politician
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Tokyo considers the island Kunashir, Shikotan, Etorofu and the Habomai its territory and demands that Russia recognize Japanese sovereignty over the territories. The authorities refer to bilateral trade and Treatise on the borders of 1855. At the same time Moscow does not recognize the fact of the territorial dispute with Japan.