国际英语新闻：Russia says no objection to Japan viewing disputed Pacific islands

MOSCOW, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Russia does not mind if top Japanese officials take a look at some disputed Pacific islands, Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexei Sazonov said Thursday.

"We know about the intentions of the Japanese prime minister and foreign minister to visit the area on the north-east of Hokkaido island and to inspect Southern Kurils (known as the Northern Territories in Japan). We, certainly, have no objection if Japanese politicians would enjoy the view of our beautiful landscapes from their territory," Sazonov told a Moscow press briefing.

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan said Wednesday that he was going to visit the northern tip of Hokkaido and would listen to opinions from all sides involved.

Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara said Tuesday he would head for Nemuro in Hokkaido on Saturday to view the four islands held by Russia but claimed by Japan.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Nov. 1 visited the Kunashiri Island, one of the disputed islands, which sparked protests from Japan.

Russia and Japan have long been at odds over the sovereignty of the islands, which has blocked a peace treaty between the two countries since the end of World War II.