Japan summons Russias envoy

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to the Kuril Islands, claimed by both Moscow and Tokyo, has sparked a diplomatic row between the two states.

Following the visit, Japan summoned Russia’s ambassador to Tokyo.

Japan’s Prime Minister Naoto Kan condemned the move, calling it regrettable.

“Our position has been consistent that the four northern islands are integral part of our country’s territory. Therefore, the visit is very regrettable,” Kan was quoted by AFP.

“We want to consider how we should deal with the matter hereafter.”

Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara said the visit by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to the disputed Kuril Islands has hurt Japanese public sentiment.

Moscow has called Tokyo’s reaction unacceptable, saying it too plans to summon the Japanese envoy.

The tension comes less than two weeks ahead of Medvedev’s planned visit to Japan.

The Kuril Islands, situated to the north of Japan’s Kokkaido Island, have been controlled by Moscow since the end of World War II. Japan claims the islands are part of its territory.