Japan-Soviet Declaration Marks 70th Anniv. amid Strained Ties
The 70th anniversary of the 1956 Japan-Soviet Joint Declaration occurs as Russia hardens its stance on the Northern Territories dispute. Prospects for the return of disputed islands to Japan remain uncertain despite previous diplomatic efforts.
Why it matters
The territorial dispute remains a significant barrier to a formal peace treaty between Japan and Russia following World War II.
Tokyo, Oct. 19 (Jiji Press)--As Monday marked the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Japan-Soviet Joint Declaration, which stipulates the return of two of the four disputed islands to Japan, Russia has further hardened its stance on the territorial dispute.
The declaration includes an agreement for Moscow to hand over Shikotan and the Habomai group, part of the disputed islands called the Northern Territories in Japan, after the two sides conclude a peace treaty that formally ends their World War II hostilities.
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