MercoPress, en Español

Montevideo, March 28th 2024 - 21:36 UTC

 

 

Australia threatens Japan with international legal action over whaling

Saturday, December 12th 2009 - 15:22 UTC
Full article 2 comments
Japanese whales fishermans Japanese whales fishermans

Australia has threatened international legal action after the new Japanese Government declared there would be no change to its stance on whaling. Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada said in Tokyo that he saw no need for a review of the Government's policy, disappointing those who thought it might break with the past.

His remarks were seen by anti-whaling groups as showing bad faith, with Japan and Australia involved in protracted closed-door reform talks at the International Whaling Commission. The Japanese statement come as its fleet, under escort from security ships, prepares to begin whaling in waters off the Australian Antarctic Territory next week.

At the same time, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is due to meet Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama in Tokyo. Mr Rudd said he would still prefer to discuss the issue diplomatically, but he described Mr Okada's statement as an obvious obstacle.

''Let me be very clear,'' Mr Rudd said. ''If we cannot resolve this matter diplomatically, we will take international legal action. I'm serious about that.''

Mr Okada defended Japanese whaling for its cultural value. He called for mutual respect, and calm discussion. ''We do not think that there is a need for a policy review at this point of time,'' he said.

This dismissal of change raises doubts over the value of the IWC talks, which were meant to bridge the gap between pro and anti-whaling sides. ''I think Japan has shown totally bad faith in that process,'' said Darren Kindleysides, director of the Australian Marine Conservation Society. ''They have kept on whaling and, clearly from this latest statement, they are not interested in reform of the IWC.''

PM Rudd kept open Australia's legal options. Kindleysides said the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea could impose an injunction to halt whaling 14 days after the case was lodged.

Top Comments

Disclaimer & comment rules
  • Bubba

    It is about time somebody did something about the Japanese killing whales for research, then eating them in Japan as sushi..

    Dec 12th, 2009 - 04:10 pm 0
  • Billy Hayes

    come on australia!!

    Dec 13th, 2009 - 12:10 pm 0
Read all comments

Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!