Japan not happy with Russia military drills in Pacific Ocean
Iran Press TV
Wed Aug 13, 2014 12:31PM GMT
The Japanese government is discontent with Russian military exercises in the Pacific Ocean's Kurile Islands, which Tokyo claims as its own, a media report says.
Japan's Kyodo News agency reported that Tokyo lodged a complaint with Russia on Wednesday over its military exercises on disputed islands known as the Southern Kuriles in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan.
"Carrying out this sort of exercises in the Northern Territories is totally unacceptable," Abe told reporters earlier in the day.
Tokyo had earlier warned Moscow to cancel the military exercises after learning of the plan earlier this month.
Japan's Defence Ministry said last week that Russia has increased its military activities around Japan.
Over 1,000 troops, five Mi-8AMTSh attack helicopters and 100 pieces of military hardware will be used during the exercises, Russia's Defense Ministry spokesman said.
The Russian maneuver is scheduled to run from Tuesday to Saturday.
Relations between Russia and Japan have been overshadowed for decades by a persisting territorial dispute over the Kurile Islands, which include the isles of Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and Habomai.
Moscow and Tokyo have never signed a permanent peace treaty following the end of World War II because of the dispute over the islands.
GMA/AB
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