Tokyo Raps Moscow's Halt of Memo on Japan Centers

Tokyo, Jan. 20 (Jiji Press)--Tokyo on Monday criticized Moscow's decision to stop the implementation of a bilateral memorandum on the Japan Centers in Russia, which hold business and other seminars for Russians.

"Any unilateral halt is unacceptable," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a news conference.

The Japan Centers "still work to support Japanese companies and promote mutual understanding at the citizen level even when the Japan-Russia relations are in a severe situation," he also said, emphasizing the significance of the centers.

"The government will respond appropriately," he added.

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