Russia has proposed that the four disputed islands off Hokkaido be jointly developed with Japan, based on Russian legislation to help settle the prolonged territorial row, several diplomatic sources said Sunday.
Tokyo is reluctant to accept the proposal, made in June, because it would mean recognizing Russian sovereignty over the islands and undermine Japan's claim. Tokyo has requested that Moscow reconsider the proposal, the sources said.
The idea was suggested by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov during his meeting with Senior Vice Foreign Minister Masaji Matsuyama in St. Petersburg on June 20.