Japan, Russia start 1st joint study on disputed isles

Japan and Russia have started their first study Tuesday to assess the potential for joint economic activities on disputed islands controlled by Moscow but claimed by Tokyo, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.The Japanese group, comprising 70 government officials and private-sector experts, plans to draw up a priority list of possible economic activities in such fields as fishery, tourism and health care to be carried out on the islets off Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido.Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed in December to start joint activities o…READ FULL ARTICLE