Putin rules out move on Kurils

Tokyo - Slender hopes that Japan and Russia can clinch a peace treaty appeared lost yesterday as President Putin ruled out returning…

Tokyo - Slender hopes that Japan and Russia can clinch a peace treaty appeared lost yesterday as President Putin ruled out returning a set of contested islands hours before his arrival here.

Mr Putin, due to arrive at 4.20 p.m. (local time) at Tokyo's Haneda airport for a three-day visit, gave a clear indication that no treaty breakthrough is likely before a self-imposed deadline of the end of this year.

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