Australia, New Zealand Criticize Japan’s Exit from IWC

December 26, 2018

Sydney--Australia and New Zealand on Wednesday expressed their disappointment at Japan's decision to withdraw from the International Whaling Commission to resume commercial whaling.

Australia is "extremely disappointed" at the Japanese decision, Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Environment Minister Melissa Price said in a joint statement.

Canberra "remains resolutely opposed to all forms of commercial and so-called 'scientific' whaling," they said.

The ministers urged Japan to return to the IWC "as a matter of priority."

In a separate statement, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said, "Whaling is an outdated and unnecessary practice."

"We continue to hope Japan eventually reconsiders its position and will cease all whaling in order to advance the protection of the ocean's ecosystems," Peters said.

Australia and New Zealand, both antiwhaling countries, said they welcome Japan's decision to quit whaling in the Antarctic Ocean. Jiji Press