Regrettably, action by Russia has led to the cancellation of this year's humanitarian assistance mission to Russian-held islands off Hokkaido that are claimed by Japan. A Japanese ship returned to Nemuro port Thursday after Russian authorities had demanded that Japanese officials and citizens aboard the ship submit disembarkation cards before arriving on Kunashiri Island. Japan rejected the Russian demand because submitting the cards would signify Tokyo's acceptance of Moscow's claim to Kunashiri Island.
Cancellation of the humanitarian assistance activities, which began in fiscal 2003, should disappoint not only Japanese citizens but also Russian residents on the islands. The ship was to deliver ¥12.8 million worth of medical supplies to Kunashiri, Shikotan and Etorofu islands at the request of Russian residents.
Russia said its demand is based on a law revision in 2006. But such a demand was not made in fiscal 2006 and 2007. Reportedly Moscow officially notified Tokyo about the disembarkation card requirement Jan. 23. The Japanese Foreign Ministry should have noticed the revision earlier and held talks with Moscow to prevent an undesirable development. It is also odd that the latest incident occurred after Japan and Russia held a foreign vice ministerial meeting in Moscow on Jan. 20.