A file photograph of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. /VCG
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday suggested the Japanese management to give attention to its home affairs as an alternative of launching “attacks” in opposition to Russia.
Lavrov made the remarks when commenting on Tokyo’s statements over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s go to to Iturup Island (referred to as Etorofu in Japan), one of many Southern Kuril Islands (often called the Northern Territories in Japan).
Lavrov famous that “if Japanese colleagues are now attempting to reshape international law to suit themselves and the United States, their close-knit ally; if they seek to shirk historical responsibility for past misdeeds and are now violating their own constitution – the three non-nuclear principles are being eroded, and their military is already seeking to carry out overseas operations, something previously prohibited under the constitution – this naturally gives rise to serious concern.”
He added that “if they hope to divert attention from this plainly aggressive militaristic course by launching such, excuse my blunt choice of words, rhetorical broadsides against Russia and accusing us of violating international law, I would advise them to mind their own business. They have plenty of such problems at home.”
Putin paid his first-ever go to to the disputed island on August 13. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi “strongly protested” the go to at a press convention.
The Russian Foreign Ministry had summoned Japanese Ambassador to Russia Akira Muto, however the ambassador didn’t affirm his look on the ministry, citing private well being causes.
In the wake of Lavrov’s remarks, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova disclosed that Muto had “suddenly felt much better” and can go to the Russian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.
Source: CGTN