Japan must recognize all disputed islands as Russian – foreign minister

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov addresses the media following a meeting with his Japanese counterpart in Moscow on January 14, 2019. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP)

MOSCOW – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday that Japan must recognize Russia’s sovereignty over all of the disputed south Kuril islands in order for peace talks to continue.

Moscow is willing to work toward a peace resolution provided “Japan’s indisputable recognition of the entirety of results of World War II, including Russia’s sovereignty over all of the islands of the southern Kuril chain,” Lavrov said in a briefing, following talks with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono. /kga