Japan 'money pressure on whaling'

[quaoar]

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,15669828%255E1702,00.html

June 20, 2005
FEDERAL Labor today accused Japan of putting financial pressure on small countries around the globe to support its push to kill more whales.

The west African nations of Cameroon, Togo and Gambia, along with the Pacific island of Nauru, suddenly joined the International Whaling Commission (IWC) at the weekend ahead of its crucial vote on whaling quotas this week in South Korea.

The new members are expected to help Japan's push for the resumption of commercial whaling, despite concerns raised by Australia, New Zealand and Britain.

Opposition foreign spokesman Kevin Rudd said it appeared Japan was abusing its financial aid relationships with various small countries in exchange for their support on whaling.