Speculation earlier this year was that Russia, looking to diversify its foreign policy portfolio in Asia, might be willing to open discussions on its longstanding Kuril Islands dispute with Japan. Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, put such notions to rest yesterday, reports Russia Today:
“As far as the Kuril Islands are concerned – these are the Eastern border regions of the Russian Federation. We put special attention to normal development of these Russian territories and wholly develop them, considering the needs of Russian citizens who reside there,” the minister told reporters.He added that planning the defenses and strengthening the military infrastructure …read more
Source: The American Interest
