Russia's Development Plan of the Kuril Islands seen from Local Newspapers

Abstract

Russian government began to take a tough position on the Northern Territories issue with Japan and approved a 10 year development plan of the Kuril Islands this summer. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said that the development project should improve the living conditionsand attract more residents. One of the best way to figure out the veiled situation of the Kuril Islands is to read local newspapers published in Kunashli and Itrup islands. Russia has been actively restoring both civilian and military infrastructure on the four disputed islets. However, many negative factors including harsh native environment, investment condition or corruption problems of local officials has prevented from normal developments, according to local papers. Only Japan's cooperation and participation would help succeed smooth economic growth there.