Japan's Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba says he will push for substantive talks with Russia on the Russian-held islands claimed by Japan.
Gemba made the remark while speaking to representatives of former residents of the islands in Nemuro City, Hokkaido, on Saturday.
Earlier in the day, Gemba viewed Kunashiri and other islands from a Japan Coast Guard patrol boat off Nemuro for the first time since he assumed the post of foreign minister. He also visited Cape Nosappu, where he viewed Kaigara and Suisho, which are part of the Habomai Islands, through binoculars.
Former island residents asked Gemba to work so that the prospect for the return of the disputed islands becomes clear while they are alive.
Former islanders also said 2012 is a crucial year because of Russia's presidential election. They want Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to view the islands to express his determination to resolve the territorial issue.
Gemba promised to enter into talks with Russia as soon as possible and negotiate tenaciously. He said he hopes to have substantive discussions based on agreements and documents signed with Moscow, and also based on the principle of law and justice.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Russian Foreign Ministry criticized the Japanese foreign minister's inspection of the islands, saying it will not help to enhance the good atmosphere that was building up between the 2 countries. At a news conference on Saturday, Gemba also said he wants to take up the territorial issue with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is expected to visit Japan, probably on January 28th.
The dispute over the 4 islands off eastern Hokkaido has kept Japan and Russia from signing a peace treaty more than 66 years after World War 2.
Gemba and Lavrov are also expected to discuss developments in North Korea after the death of Kim Jong Il and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum to be held in the Russian Far East city of Vladivostok later this year.
