Arab News Japan

TOKYO: After his plan to visit Russia was canceled, House of Councilors member SUZUKI Muneo has criticized his own party for its views.

Suzuki is known for having close contacts with Russia and Japan’s parliament had even approved his trip there, but the Japan Restoration Party took a more conservative approach, angering the veteran politician.

“I want to make it clear to the secretary-general that the national interest is 100 times more important than yours,” Suzuki told a meeting of his party in parliament. “I think that I have been doing my work as a politician.”

Suzuki was aiming his attacks at the party’s Secretary-General FUJITA Fumitake, adding, “I want you to think about how you use your words.”

In front of the media, Fujita had questioned whether Suzuki’s visit to Russia would contribute to the national interest, prompting Suzuki’s sharp response.

“Even when I have had many discussions with the mass media, I have never criticized a single individual by name,” Suzuki said. “It’s common sense.”

Fujita later said he had settled the matter with Suzuki after explaining what he was trying to say.

Muneo, many of whose Hokkaido constituents depend on good relations with Russia to carry on their livelihoods in fishing and related professions, has long been unhappy with Japan’s government’s wholesale support for the US and EU’s sanctions of the Russians over Ukraine.  He seemingly hope to visit Russia to plead the Japanese case and convey better understanding for the Russian position.