Comments: Whaling protest

March 6, p. 8

Demonstrators opposing Australia’s decision to seek international legal action against Japan over its annual whale hunt in the Antarctic, hold posters showing pictures of scuffles between Japanese whaling vessels and an anti-whaling conservation group, as they protest in front of the Australian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday.  
 
Your comments:
Australia has a national interest in its Antarctic territory claim,
one which is recognized by a mere four nations on this planet and does not include the US or Russia. Japan’s research whaling is in accordance with IWC regulations Article
VIII and therefore not “illegal” in any way.
Therefore PM Rudd’s threat to take Japan to the ICJ is an empty threat with practically no chance of winning as it is important to question the IWC’s authority and is geared to address domestic Australian politics. The tacit support of Sea Shepherd, an organization classified as eco-terrorists by the US FBI, reduces Australia’s moral position and should be stopped immediately.
J Damer
The United States