Japan denies whaling ship fired at protesters

08/03/2008 23:25:29

Whaling protesters says they are more determined to stop the slaughter of whales in the Southern Ocean after being involved in a confrontation with the Japanese yesterday.

Paul Watson, the captain of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's ship, Steve Irwin, claims he was shot by a crew member on board the Japanese whaling ship, Nisshun Maru, and could have died if he had not been wearing a bullet-proof vest.

Japan has denied claims its whalers fired bullets at the protest fleet.

Paul Watson says the incident will not stop his crew pursuing the whalers.

Australia makes official protest
Australia's foreign minister, Stephen Smith, has officially voiced his concerns to Japan about the escalation in the whaling dispute in the Southern Ocean.

It follows claims by anti-whaling protestors that the Japanese fired shots at their ship.

But officials in Tokyo dispute this, and say armed coast guard officers threw so-called "flash bangs" - which are designed to make noise but cause no harm.

Mr Smith says he has dispatched a delegation from the Australia's Tokyo embassy to make the point it was an unwelcome development.

He says he wants to see restraint exercised by both sides.

"We condemn absolutely any conduct which is either unsafe or puts people at risk," he said.

"We have consistently, and I again, call on all parties to show restraint.

"What is required here, even in the face of great provocation, is calm and restraint."

Solomons says Japan paid for pro-whaling attendance
The Solomon Islands has admitted that it was paid in the past by Japan to attend meetings of the International Whaling Commission.

Australia's prime minister, Kevin Rudd, says he's been assured by his Solomons counterpart, Dr Derek Sikua, of support for Australia's aim to get international consensus on ending so-called scientific whaling.

Speaking at a media briefing after talks in Honiara, Mr Rudd said he appreciated the response he got from the Solomons leader.

Dr Sikua says his country will not be attending the latest whaling commission meeting taking place in London.

"We are not attending because usually Japan pays for our attendance, but we refused their assistance and therefore we have not gone because we can't afford it," he said.

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