Medvedev tough on disputed islands

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev says he is determined not to give in over a territorial dispute with Japan.He made the comment during a visit to Kunashiri, one of the four Russian-held islands off Hokkaido that are claimed by Japan.

Medvedev landed on the island on Tuesday with the Sakhalin governor and the minister in charge of development in the Russian Far East.He visited port facilities, a hospital and a Christian church being built in the central city of Furukamappu. He told construction workers that Russia will not concede one inch of the island. He said even a small concession could lead to confusion and the demise of a nation.
His initial plan to visit Etorofu was changed to Kunashiri at the last minute due to bad weather.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed speculation about Medvedev's visit. He said the prime minister was on a routine inspection tour of Russian territory.Lavrov added that he wants to have specific and constructive discussions with his Japanese counterpart