Press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov commented on the protest of the Japanese government against the research in the sea of Okhotsk.
“Russia is an absolutely sovereign right to its territory to perform any kind of research,” — said Peskov.
In turn, Chairman of the Presidium of all-Russian organization “Officers of Russia”, Hero of Russia, major-General Sergei Lipov told RIA Novosti that Russia does not violate any international laws when carrying out geological exploration on the Kuril Islands. In his view, “Japan is generally very nervously responds,” but all their statements – no more than attempts to prevent Russia to forget about its requirements in respect of the Kuril Islands. “This is repeated constantly and is not worth special attention,” — said Linden.
RIAC Expert, head of the Department of Oriental studies, MGIMO (U) MFA of Russia Dmitry Streltsov noted that the statement of the Japanese authorities do not introduce anything new in the territorial dispute or the negotiations between Tokyo and Moscow. The Japanese voiced its concern at any actions of Russia in this territory.
As reported earlier, Japan expressed Russia protest in connection with carrying out of prospecting works in the sea of Okhotsk, including the Islands of Kunashir, Shikotan, Iturup and Habomai. According to the Secretary-General of the Japanese Cabinet, Acehide Sugi, this is unacceptable and not consistent with Japan’s position on the four Northern Islands.