Japanese Media: Russian Foreign Minister Condemns Japan for "Crossing the Line"
As reported by Japan's Asahi Shimbun on August 18: In response to Japan's criticism and protest over President Putin's first visit to Etorofu Island, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov condemned the Japanese government on the 17th, saying, "It is clearly a violation of diplomatic etiquette." Russia has reportedly requested to summon Japan's ambassador to Russia.
In practice, Russia controls the Southern Kuril Islands (known as the Northern Territories by Japan), which Japan regards as its "inherent territory." At a press conference on the 17th, Lavrov explicitly stated: "It is absolutely unacceptable for Japan to claim that the Russian president cannot visit Russian territory." Furthermore, he implied that, as a victorious power in WWII, Russia has the right to control and possess the Southern Kuril Islands under the UN Charter and other post-war treaties.
Lavrov also said: "If Japan attempts to evade its historical responsibilities, a very worrying situation will arise."
Lavrov summoned Japan's ambassador to Russia, Hitoshi Muto, but reportedly said: "The Japanese embassy claimed they could not respond to our summons on the 14th and the 17th. We do not know whether the ambassador is not in Moscow or is ill."
After Lavrov’s press conference, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zarubova revealed that Ambassador Muto of Japan would visit the Russian Foreign Ministry on the 18th.
Lavrov further demanded that "Japan must respect Russian law."
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1873830216587404/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.