Japan protests Russian takeover of Japan Tobacco subsidiaries
Associated Press · Mari Yamaguchi ·
Japan has protested to Moscow after Russia placed four subsidiaries of Japan Tobacco under temporary Russian management. Japanese officials demand the measure be withdrawn immediately. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Friday that Japan sent senior officials to Moscow to lodge a protest. Tensions between the countries have risen since Russian President Vladimir Putin visited disputed islands in August. The dispute over the Kuril Islands has prevented a peace treaty since World War II. Japan Tobacco is assessing the impact of the takeover. Japan's Economy and Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa said the move follows similar actions against Western companies.
TOKYO (AP) — Japan has protested to Moscow after Russia placed four subsidiaries belonging to Japan Tobacco Inc. under the temporary management of a Russian company and demanded that the measure be withdrawn immediately, Japanese officials said Friday.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters that the Japanese government is aware of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s order imposed on the Japanese cigarette maker’s subsidiaries that operate in Russia.
Japan sent senior government officials to Moscow, where they joined the Japanese ambassador to Russia to lodge a protest and demand the retraction of the measure “to make sure the legitimate interests of Japanese nationals and businesses are not violated,” Kihara said.
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