Letter from the President of the Russian Federation, B.N. Yeltsin, to the Russian People

Dear compatriots!

Having received your appeal in which you express your concern about the destiny of the Southern Kuriles, I consider it my duty to clarify the position of the Government of the Russian Federation.

I fully agree with you in that the current generation of Russians is not responsible for the political "adventurism" of the former leaders of our country. At the same time an obvious obligation of the new Russian leadership is to look for ways of resolving problems which we inherited from the policies of previous eras, and which stand in the way of developing normal relations between Russia and the international community today. In the end, the future of a new democratic Russia as a member of the internaional community, and its international authority depends on how fast we manage to overcome the difficult heritage of the past, accept the norms of the international community, and thus make legality, justice and strict adherence to the principles of international law the criteria of its policy.

One of the problems we will have to resolve in the near future is reaching a final post-War settlement in our relations with Japan. I am convinced that from the Russian point of view, it would be unforgivable to continue to endure a situation where relations with Japan remain practically frozen because of the absence of a peace treaty between the two countries.

It is well-known that the main obstacle to the conclusion of this treaty is the issue of the demarcation of borders between Russia and Japan. This problem has a long history, and it has lately attracted broad attention and provoked diverse feelings among citizens of Russia. In approaching this issue, we will be guided by the principles of justice and humanism, and we will firmly defend the interests and dignity of Russians including those of the inhabitants of the Southern Kuriles. I assure you that no inhabitant of the Southern Kuriles will see their future ruined. Their socio-economic and property interests will be fully provided for taking into account the emerging historical realities.

The initial principle for any agreement with Japan will be to ensure the well-being of our one and indivisible Fatherland. Being the first democratically elected President of Russia in history, I assure you that the Russian public will be fully informed of the intentions and plans of its government in a timely manner.

I sincerely hope for your understanding and support.

B. Yeltsin