Vladimir Putin says issues related to the Southern Kurils are being examined

Issues related to the Southrn Kurils are being examined, Vladimir Putin said when answering Russian journalists’ questions. He reminded that under the 1956 treaty the Soviet Union was ready to return two islands to Japan, but neither side implemented the treaty and it was simply left in suspension.  
“The Soviet Union received these islands and was ready to return two islands. As I said, it is not clear under what conditions this was to be done, but the islands were to be handed over. There are issues here regarding economic activity, security, many issues, and there are humanitarian matters too. All of this is being examined and receiving our attention”, said Vladimir Putin.