Japanese authorities protest the decision of Russia to grant 5 Kuril Islands with the names of the Soviet and Russian government officials. "It is unacceptable and contradicts to the position of Japan. We've sent a protest note to Russia through our diplomatic channels, "said the Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga at a press conference in Tokyo.

This step would have no impact on the peace negotiations on the Kuril Islands between the two countries, stressed Yoshihide. On February 11, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree to grant names to 5 uninhabited Kuril Islands. They will be called after the Soviet and Russian politicians.