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In Moscow, a few hundred people demonstrated Sunday against a possible transfer to Japan of several islands of the Kuril archipelago. A rally organized by communist and nationalist movements. Japan claims the sovereignty of four of these islands annexed by the USSR at the end of the Second World War. A territorial quarrel that still prevents the signing of a peace treaty between the two countries. On Sunday, the protesters accused the Russian authorities of preparing behind the scenes the surrender of these territories of the Far East.
With our correspondent in Moscow, Etienne Bouche
The rendezvous was given at the foot of General Suvorov's statue. A symbolic choice since the general has offered great military victories to the Russian empire.
For these demonstrators, including Lioudmila, the session of the Kuril Islands would be a state treason.
" I do not want to leave a mutilated country to my children, " she says. I would be ashamed of it, that's why I'm here today. You understand, a state can change, but recover territories, it's impossible. Why should we give up land for which my grandfather fought ? "
The sickle, the hammer and Stalin's profile float above the protesters. Many express the nostalgia for a Soviet power whose authority was undisputed.
" These islands belonged to the USSR, now to Russia, and the least transfer would be a concession made to Japan, which is a resolutely pro-American state, which always acts in agreement with the United States," said Alexander, former Communist deputy. . In a context where the Japanese support the sanctions against Russia, it would sell off our interests. Why ? In the name of what ? "
Protesters say they want to alert opinion on this issue to be discussed on Tuesday. Vladimir Putin will receive in Moscow the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe . Officially, the two men want to quickly reach a peace treaty.
► (Re) read: Kuril Islands: Lavrov reaffirms his position against Japan