Russian Presidents Urges Not To Politicize Fishing Near Kurile Islands

Russian President urges not to politicize the issue of fishing by third countries in the area of South Kurile Islands. The issue of third countries' fishing in the area is "purely economic," said Vladimir Putin in the course of the meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in Shanghai. Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov delivered this information. According to Mr. Ivanov, the Russian side called on Tokyo to "solve the issue through negotiations taking into account all the concerns" of those involved. "The Japanese side expressed its satisfaction with the atmosphere of the meeting of the two leaders," the Russian minister said.