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The court concludes that the special permits granted by Japan for the killing, taking and
treating of whales in connection with JARPA II are not for purposes of scientific research.
Judges at the Hague have ordered Japan to stop its whaling programme in the Antarctic,
rejecting the country's argument that it was serving scientific purposes.
The court sided with plaintiff Australia in finding that the research output of the programme
was modest in comparison with the number of whales actually killed.
Japan signed a 1986 moratorium on whaling, but has continued to hunt up to 850 minke
whales in the Southern Ocean each year, with environmental group Sea Shepherd Australia
often clashing with Japanese whaling ships.
Your actions have been reported to the government of Australia. We are doing nothing unlawful.
Stop your aggressive actions immediately.
However, Australia's Attorney General said the decision would not affect international relations.
The fact that Australia was and Japan were idle to the dispute on this narrow issue on
the International Court of Justice, but nevertheless maintain an excellent relationship not withstanding
that difference I think demonstrates very clearly what a strong relationship and what
an enduring relationship this is.
Whaling was once widespread around the world, but with their meat remaining a popular delicay
among Japanese consumers, it now one of only a handful of countries that continues the practice.
And while the judgement is an embarrassment to Japan, and it is free to continue whaling
if it withdraws from the moratorium, the country has committed to abide by the court's ruling.
As a state that respects rule of law, the order of international law and as a responsible
member of the global community, Japan will abide by the decision of the court.