Japanese lawmaker expelled for Russia war comments

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) - An opposition Japanese lawmaker was expelled by his party Tuesday for suggesting war with Russia concerning a territorial dispute, according to local media.

House of Representatives lawmaker Hodaka Maruyama of the Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party) made the comments during a visit to the Kunashiri Island in the Northern Territories and said: "Unless we wage war, won't the issue just go nowhere?," the Daily Mainichi newspaper reported.

He also asked group of former residents of the islands, under Russian control, whether they would support a war with Moscow.

The Japan Innovation refused to accept Maruyama’s written request to leave the party but later Tuesday voted to expel him.

Maruyama comments comes at a time when Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is seeking a breakthrough on the disputed islands in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Maruyama’s comments were "extremely regrettable” but there was no change in Tokyo's stance to solve the territorial issue through diplomatic negotiations.

Osaka Mayor Ichiro Matsui, who heads the Japan Innovation Party, was quoted by the Kyodo news agency as saying: "I feel very sorry for the Russian people.”

He said he wants to ask the government to convey an apology through diplomatic routes, noting the remarks may have a negative impact on the ongoing territorial talks between Tokyo and Moscow.