Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed on Thursday Japan's claim for sovereignty on all the four islands at the center of the territorial dispute between the two countries, stressing his position to seek resolution of the dispute through the return of two of the four islands in line with a 1956 bilateral declaration.

The remark, made in a news conference, was apparently made to turn down Japan's persistent claim over the four islands ahead of his visit expected next year. He did not respond to a question as to when he would visit Japan.

Regarding the 1956 declaration, Putin said it was ratified by the Soviet Union and Japan, and that Russia is a legal successor to the Soviet Union.

The declaration says the Soviet Union agrees to return two of the four islands after a peace treaty is signed, which means the territorial issue will be resolved, Putin said.

The declaration does not specify conditions for or timing of returning the two islands as well as the scope of sovereignty of Japan and the Soviet Union, and these will be research subject matters between Japan and Russia, Putin said.

This issue can be resolved because friendly relations have been built, he said.

Putin also said resolving issues marring bilateral relations is in the national interest of both Russia and Japan, including development of economic relations.

The joint declaration, in which Japan and the Soviet Union declared an end to hostility and normalization of ties, was ratified by Japan and the Soviet Union, and took effect in 1956.

It says the Soviet Union, in responding to a Japanese request and considering Japanese interests, agrees to return the Habomai islets and Shikotan Island but after a peace treaty is signed.

Japan argues that the declaration does not provide for the complete settlement of the territorial dispute and has requested that bilateral talks be held to discuss the return of the two other islands -- Kunashiri and Etorofu.

The islands, lying just off the coast of Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido, were seized by Soviet troops in the closing days of World War II in the Pacific theater in 1945. The territorial dispute has prevented the two countries from signing a peace treaty.

Source: Kyodo News