Lavrov Refers to UN Charter Amid Japanese Protest Over Visit to Iturup
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov responded to Japan's protest concerning Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup by referencing the UN Charter and criticizing Japan's diplomatic conduct. The dispute remains focused on the disputed status of the Kuril Islands. Lavrov highlighted the use of specific UN Charter articles while noting their perceived obsolescence.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reacted to Japan's protest regarding Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup. Japan had criticized the visit and emphasized its incompatibility with its position on the disputed northern territories. The Kuril Islands remain at the center of the conflict.
Lavrov countered Japan's objections by citing the UN Charter and criticizing Japan's diplomatic behavior. Lavrov specifically described Japan's reaction as a violation of etiquette. Moscow used specific, albeit considered outdated, articles of the Charter as a political argument against Tokyo's claims, with a central point being the reminder of Japan's initial status as a "hostile state" according to the UN Charter. Articles 53, 77, and 107 cited by Moscow are considered practically obsolete.
This diplomatic dispute underscores the ongoing tension over the Kuril Islands, as Russia invokes the principles of the UN Charter to justify its position, while Japan expresses its concerns about the visit.