Legal Option To Stop Japan Whaling Still Possible
(Sydney Morning Herald)
Australia and New Zealand may still pursue legal action to stop whaling by Japan, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
The newspaper quotes senior government officials in both countries as saying a legal challenge remains an option, though both nations would prefer a diplomatic solution. Opposition to Japan's whaling activities in the Antarctic have strained relations, particularly between Tokyo and Canberra.
New Zealand Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick told the newspaper, "In the past we have identified obstacles to legal action. That said, New Zealand continues to be open minded about the possibility of taking a case against Japanese whaling."
Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, who is in Tokyo, said Canberra would continue to build a case against Japan in the International Court of Justice in the Hague. But Smith said he reiterated a pledge made to Japanese officials that Australia would not "announce or initiate or undertake legal action without letting the Japanese government know that that's the conclusion we've come to."
http://www.smh.com.au/news/whale-watch/whaling-action-against-japan-possible/2008/05/08/1210131170623.html
