Australia threatens to sue Japan over whaling

Japan has described Australia's threat of taking a legal action against its whaling program as 'unfortunate.'

Japan's Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada said that Tokyo will prove its activities are legal and according to regulations set forth by the International Whaling Commission (IWC).

Though Japan abandoned commercial whaling in 1986 after agreeing to a global moratorium, international rules, however, allowed it to continue whaling under the protection of a research program.

After a two- day negotiation with Australia, Japan's foreign minister asserted, "It's very unfortunate the Australian side has indicated it will take action in an international court."

"Should action become a reality,” he added, “Japan will seek to represent its case with the IWC that its activities are legal."

On Friday, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd gave Japan only until November to stop whale hunting. Australia has consistently expressed its opposition to Japan's extensive whale-hunting over the years.

Conservationists have said that whaling is a cover for the sale and consumption of whale meat.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=119157§ionid=351020406.