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June 15, 2010
Majuro, Tuesday, 15 June 2010 – The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has a long-standing diplomatic relationship with Japan, and has received tremendous bilateral assistance from Japan through grants, trainings, economic development projects and numerous other opportunities given to Small Islands Developing States (SIDS). Japan is a very close friend and ally of the RMI.
The RMI is a sovereign nation and, as such, determines its own government policies. The RMI's policy on whaling is not based on the aid from Japan or any other country. If that were the case, it must be noted that the RMI also receives the same, if not more, assistance from some of its other development partners, countries which oppose Japan in the International Whaling Commission (IWC). This clearly demonstrates that RMI’s vote, whether in the IWC or any other regional and international forums, is not for sale.
The unprincipled tactics and methods employed by the “undercover reporters” towards obtaining information with respect to IWC issues is beneath any standards of ethical journalism. Falsifying information, using bogus names, and completely distorting the facts for self-promotion are some of the examples used to relegate the significance of mutual respect and understanding of IWC members reflected in what is otherwise a transparent IWC forum. Moreover, the comments by the RMI Government official were taken out of context and therefore did not accurately reflect the position of the RMI Government. The Marshall Islands Government will continue to promote responsible and sustainable use of all marine resources.
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