Russia warns Japanese: Stay out of disputed waters

Moscow today warned Japanese boats to stay out of Russian territory after a patrol boat fired on a Japanese vessel fishing near disputed islands, apparently killing a fisherman.

Kyodo News agency quoted Russia’s Deputy Ambassador Mikhail Galuzin as saying the boat had violated Russian territory and warned that the breach should not be allowed to happen again.

Galuzin’s remarks came during a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso, the report said. Ministry officials refused to confirm the report.

A crab fisherman was shot and killed today near Kaigara island, one of several islands off the north-east tip of Hokkaido that are claimed by both Japan and Russia, according to Japanese Coastguard officials.