By IRNA-Itar-Tass
Tokyo : Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura said on Monday the detention of Japan’s four fishing schooners near the Southern Kuriles may hamper relations with Russia. “This story will affect Japanese-Russian relations,” he told journalists. “It will bring nothing good to Russia. ”
He stressed that Tokyo will do its utmost to release eleven fishermen of the detained vessels as soon as possible. Among the detainees is the captain of Hoyu Maru No 31, who suffers from a chronic disease.
“The Russian side showed certain understanding on this issue, but states it cannot take a decision at this stage,” Komura said.
Russian border guards detained four Japanese schooners in waters off the Kunashir Island on December 12. The boats are owned by a fishery cooperative registered in the city of Rausu on Hokkaido.
According to the available information, the vessels were fishing three miles off the coast, which contradicts the intergovernmental agreement. No fish or seafood was found on board.
Incidents with detention of Japan’s fishing boats in the Southern Kuriles on suspicion of poaching turn regular. One of the high-profile cases of the recent years is a scandal over the Kissin Maru 31 in August 2006. Russian border guards spotted Japan’s schooner in Russia’ s territorial waters and started shooting to stop the vessel killing one fisherman. Several tonnes of live crab were found on board. A criminal case was investigated against the schooner’s captain, who pleaded guilty in Russia’s court, paid a fine and was released. Upon arrival to Japan he denied his words. Japanese border guard conducted their own investigation and submitted the case to the prosecutor’s office on the charges of violation of fishing rules. But no criminal case against the captain has been instituted so far.
Tokyo does not recognise Russia’s right to detain Japanese poacher ships near the Southern Kuriles, as it considers the islands its ” northern territories.”
Simultaneously the Japanese authorities demand their fishermen should strictly observe the rules of fishing in the area and should not cross without permission the line separating the two countries’ control zones near the Southern Kuriles.