Both sides Quote by Vladimir Putin
“You recalled the 1956 declaration, and this declaration established the rules that should be followed by both sides and that should be put into the foundation of a peace treaty. If you carefully read the text of this document, you will see that the declaration will take effect after we sign a peace treaty and the two islands [Kunashir and Shikotan] are transferred to Japan. It does not say on what terms they should be transferred and what side will exercise sovereignty over them.”
About This Quote
Source Treaty Negotiation Transcript, 2023
The declaration outlines peace treaty terms but leaves sovereignty details ambiguous, prompting further negotiation.
In simple terms: Declaration sets terms but omits sovereignty.
Key Takeaway
Clarify sovereignty before signing.
Themes
peace
sovereignty
negotiation
Mood
formal
cautious
Type
legal
political
When to use this quote
- peace talks
- border dispute
- diplomatic talks
Key Concepts
international law
territorial rights
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms ensure clear sovereignty clauses?
- How to resolve ambiguous treaty language?
A Different Perspective
Ambiguity can stall agreements.
![“Our agreements on creating the conditions for preparing a peace treaty [with Japan] should be rooted in this trust. This may be achieved, for example, by large-scale economic activities that will also cover the Kuril Islands. It may be achieved by solving purely humanitarian issues, for instance…” quote by Vladimir Putin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/73f/vladimir-putin-261_activity_our-agreements-on-creating-the-condition_149257.jpg)
![“We are natural partners [with Japan] in the world and the Far East, but the absence of a peace treaty does not allow us to develop the full range of our relations. Therefore, we will naturally strive to sign this treaty.” quote by Vladimir Putin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/52d/vladimir-putin-261_absence_we-are-natural-partners-with-japan-in-th_2876625.jpg)
![“The absence of a peace treaty [with Japan] is an anachronism we inherited from the past and it must be removed. However, how to do this is a complicated issue.” quote by Vladimir Putin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/74b/vladimir-putin-261_absence_the-absence-of-a-peace-treaty-with-japan_2791393.jpg)
![“I once said that it was unacceptable for Japan to remain "an isolated prosperous island." At one time, it might have been all right for Japan to avoid sending any citizens to dangerous areas [even as part of international efforts] and just wish for its own people's happiness. That time is gone.” quote by Sadako Ogata](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/333/sadako-ogata-50421_areas_i-once-said-that-it-was-unacceptable-for_3236235.jpg)
![“Their [the U.S.’s] defense budget in absolute figures is almost 25 times bigger than Russia’s. This is what in defense is referred to as ‘their home — their fortress.’ And good for them, I say. Well done!” quote by Vladimir Putin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ec3/vladimir-putin-261_absolutes_their-the-u-s-s-defense-budget-in-absolu_10791.jpg)
![“They [leaders in Western Europe] do not misuse financial instruments, financial injections, but, first of all, seek structural change. This is urgent for our economy as well, maybe even more urgent bearing in mind the problem that we cannot yet deal with, namely the prevalence of the oil and gas…” quote by Vladimir Putin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fab/vladimir-putin-261_change_they-leaders-in-western-europe-do-not-mi_43180.jpg)
