Sep 13 (NHK) - The Russian government has expressed readiness to open talks with Japan on President Vladimir Putin's proposal to sign a peace treaty by the end of the year without any preconditions.
Putin made the offer after a speech by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at a plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Wednesday.
Putin added that Russia and Japan will continue to address all controversial issues as friends based on the peace treaty.
One issue involving both countries is the so-called Northern Territories. Russia controls the 4 islands. Japan claims them. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory.
It says the islands were illegally occupied after World War Two.
Russia's presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the proposal as an impromptu and completely new idea.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov said Russia is ready and expressed hope that talks with Japan's diplomats could start soon.
Source: ANNnewsCH
