SKurils problem calls for atmosphere of respect--Naryshkin

TOKYO, December 9 (Itar-Tass) -- Sergei Naryshkin, head of the
administration of the Russian President, believes that a compromise on the
problem of the South Kuril Islands can be found in an atmosphere of mutual
respect and trust, that relations between Russia and Japan should be
brought to a new, higher level in all spheres. He said so to journalists
on Thursday after his talks in Tokyo with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto
Kan and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku.
"The delicate territorial problem is discussed at about every such
meeting. The problem calls for a very careful and balanced approach, with
each of the two parties respecting the opinion of the other one. We are of
the opinion that an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust should be
created, if we wish to find a compromise. Our relations in other spheres -
economic, humanitarian and social; as well as the sphere of youth policy
-- should be brought to a new, higher level," he said.
"Historians from the two countries could help tackle the problem. They
could discuss it in a peaceful atmosphere, to examine the corresponding
documents, in order to understand, what the reason for its emergence was.
We are consistent supporters of the development of relations between our
two countries, of their turning into strategic partnership. The Russian
people love Japan and its culture. They admire the achievements of the
Japanese nation," he continued.
Naryshkin is staying in Tokyo for a short working visit. He flies to
Moscow on Friday. On Thursday night he will attend a ceremony of closing
down the festival of Russian culture in Japan, which will be held in one
of the prestigious concert halls of Tokyo.
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