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Japan and Russia's Disputed Islands: A Treaty Deadline Nears

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and Russian President Boris Yeltsin have agreed to conclude a peace treaty by the end of 2000, resolving a decades-old dispute over a group of islands claimed by Japan and occupied by Russia since World War II. The islands, known as the South Kurils, have been a major obstacle to a treaty, with Japan seeking their return and Russia asserting its territorial sovereignty.

Key Takeaways:

  • Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto has implied that any peace treaty between Japan and Russia should set a border north of the disputed islands, confirming Japan's sovereignty over the islands.
  • The islands in question include Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai group, which have a population of approximately 17,000 residents of both Russian and Japanese descent.
  • Past surveys on the islands have indicated opposition to their reversion to Japan, but the Russian government has stated that it will not accept a "Hong-Kong-style" agreement, implying that any deal would require the consent of the Russian people.
  • Kremlin spokesman Sergei Yastrzhembsky has denied that the Kuril question is about to be resolved, adding that the Russian government will do its best to reach a peace treaty with Japan by the year 2000, but this may not be possible and the deadline may be extended.
  • Russian opposition groups, including the State Duma, are unlikely to approve any agreement including the transfer of the Kuriles to Japan.
  • A spokesman for the Russian Division of Japan's Foreign Ministry stated that the Russian government is trying to meet the treaty deadline, but the political situation in Russia makes it difficult to determine whether the target is realistic.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 17,000 residents live on the disputed islands, of both Russian and Japanese descent.
  • The islands surround the Sea of Okhotsk, where most of the population survives through fishing.
  • The Russian government has stated that it will not accept a "Hong-Kong-style" agreement on the disputed islands.
  • Russian President Boris Yeltsin and Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto have agreed to conclude a peace treaty by the end of 2000.
  • The treaty deadline is set for autumn 2000, with another summit planned for Moscow.

Sources:

  • United Press International
  • Itar-Tass
  • Interfax
  • Moscow Bureau of United Press International

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