Japan ‘Temporarily’ Recalls Russia Envoy Over Dispute
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Japan recalled its ambassador to Russia, the first such diplomatic step in at least five years, in response to a renewed territorial dispute over islands claimed by both countries.
Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara said he had asked Ambassador Masaharu Kono “temporarily” to return to Tokyo after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev yesterday visited the islands. The chain lies near Sakhalin Island, where Russia ships liquefied natural gas to Japan.