Peskov on statements of new Japanese PM: S. Kuril Islands Russian territory

MOSCOW. Oct 12 (Interfax) - Moscow disagrees with the opinion of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida that Japanese sovereignty applies to the South Kuril Islands; in fact, these islands are Russian territory, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"We disagree with such statements. This is the territory of the Russian Federation," Peskov said at a press briefing, when commenting on the Japanese prime minister's words that Tokyo holds sovereignty over the South Kuril Islands.

"Russia has repeatedly reaffirmed its political will at various levels, including at the level of President [Vladimir] Putin, to continue dialogue with Japan and find solutions to the pressing items on our agenda," Peskov said.