Medvedev may visit Russian-held isles off Hokkaido (Kuril Islands)

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev indicated Thursday he plans to inspect economic development on some of the Kuril Islands, about 1,300 km northeast of Hokkaido, including four claimed by Japan.

The inspection may be designed to demonstrate Russia’s effective control of the four islands, which were occupied by Soviet forces following Japan’s surrender in World War II on Aug. 15, 1945.

Earlier in the day, the Russian government approved a 10-year plan to develop the Kuril Islands. Medvedev said the government will spend 70 billion rubles (¥149.4 million) on the plan.

Medvedev, who served as the country’s president from 2008 to 2012, visited Kunashiri Island among the four Japan-claimed isles in November 2010, becoming the first Russian president to visit the disputed territory.
 Kyodo
24/7/15
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Related:

• Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday that he ordered the government to draft a 10-year development plan of the Kuril Islands, which Japan refers to as the Northern Territories... 

• Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Moscow has not changed its stance on the Kuril Islands, but is ready to continue dialogue with Japan on the issue...

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