Putin, Gemba to discuss disputed Kuril IslandsJuly 27, 2012 - 13:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Japan’s Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba on Saturday, July 28 to discuss the disputed Kuril Islands, the Kremlin said. Acccording to RIA Novosti, Gemba, who is currently on a visit to Russia, will meet Putin in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi “to hold a substantial discussion on the territorial issue” and “lay ground for the further meeting of both leaders.” Japan’s senior diplomatic official will also meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss signing the World War II peace treaty, which Japan has consistently refused to sign because of its territorial claims on Russia. On Wednesday, Gemba said that he considered it possible for the disputed Kuril Islands to be jointly used with Russia. Gemba was among the first Japanese politicians who openly said Japan might accept Russia’s proposal to jointly develop the four disputed islands, which Japan calls its “Northern Territories,” if the form of cooperation is in line with Japan’s official stance. The Kuril Islands dispute has clouded relations between Moscow and Tokyo for decades. Japan claims the four islands, Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan and Habomai, based on the 1855 Treaty of Shimoda, the first Russo-Japanese agreement addressing the status of Sakhalin Island and the Kurils. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |