*http://www.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/index.html
Russia hints at review of fishing treaty with Japan* A Russian senior official has hinted that Russia might review its fishery treaties with Japan. Russia's deputy agriculture minister Vladimir Izmailov spoke to Japanese reporters on Saturday, to explain President Vladimir Putin's policy on abolishing fishing quotas for foreign companies in the country's exclusive economic zone. President Putin announced the policy in his state of the nation address in April. Mr Izmailov explained that the measure is intended to give Russian fishery companies priority over foreign firms. He said that Russia is studying a fishery agreement with Japan to ensure the safety of Japanese fishing boats operating around 4 Russian-held islands, which are claimed by Japan. Mr Izmailov said Russia will make some proposals to Japan to discuss the matter. He also said Russia's ban announced in May on direct exports of live crabs is intended to prevent poaching within its exclusive economic zone. He said live crabs can be exported after going through customs formalities. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
