MOSCOW. Feb 12 (Interfax) - The issue of war compensations is complicating the Russian-Japanese talks on a peace treaty, which Moscow has proposed to sign without preconditions, Federation Council Defense and Security Committee member Franz Klintsevich told Interfax on Tuesday.
"I think the issue of compensations that Japan keeps mentioning does nothing but complicate the talks conducted between our countries and adds an element of uncertainty. Russia's stance is absolutely clear, and there are no grounds to believe that it might change in any way: we want to sign a peace treaty with Japan without preconditions," Klintsevich told Interfax on Tuesday.
Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono told journalists earlier that the conclusion of a peace treaty with Russia would involve the resolution of the problem of compensations.
"During WWII, the Soviet Union had to stay alert in case of a Japanese invasion, which could start at any time. Over 28% of Soviet forces were deployed to the Far East as a result," Klintsevich said.
"Clearly, this seriously complicated the military situation in the Union and caused a substantial loss of human resources, not to mention economic damages. I believe that raising this issue is not in Japan's best interests," he said.