Lavrov calls on Tokyo to sign fishing memo with Russia.

27/9 Tass 250

BEIJING, September 27 (Itar-Tass) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei
Lavrov has called on Tokyo to resolve the problem of illegal fishing
activities as soon as possible as this had been done with Beijing through
signing the Russian-Chinese memorandum on illegal fishing and sea poaching.
"We insist that our Japanese partners should sign similar agreements,
and they agree that it is necessary to do, but still there are not a few
violations from the Japanese side," he said.
The diplomat noted that Russian citizens who "try to make business on
the sales of bioresources illegally caught in Japan" are also involved in
such violations.
"This is a serious problem in our relations, but we resolve it calmly,
without any emotions, we have an appropriate mechanism. I hope we will
come to agreement," Lavrov said.
In reply to journalists' question to comment on mass media reports
that the signing of the memorandum between Russia and China can supposedly
be linked with the fishing row between Beijing and Tokyo, Lavrov said "I
do not know what an inflamed imagination should be to interlink these two
events. We seek to find civilized solutions to fishing issues with all
neighbours with whom we have water borders," he said.
China's relations with Japan have sharply deteriorated after Japan
detained a Chinese fishing trawler captain in seas claimed by both
countries.
Russia is in no way involved in the disputes over marine bioresources
between China and Japan.
"We proceed from the assumption that in all disputable situations it
is necessary to be guided by the principles of law and in cases when the
parties lay down contrary conditions it is necessary to have direct talks
and search for compromise," Lavrov said.
He underlined that Russia has agreements similar to the memorandum
signed with China on Monday with other countries, in particular with
Norway.
-0-isk/mil


Delete & Prev | Delete & Next