(Asahi Evening News, July 31, 2000)

U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on Sunday threatened sanctions against Japan if it does not stop whaling.

During a 90-minute meeting with Foreign Minister Yohei Kono, Albright referred to the departure Saturday of a whaling fleet to conduct research in the northern Pacific Ocean.

She called on the government to summon the vessels back, saying whales are protected under U.S. law. Failure to do so would result in the United States issuing a statement of criticism about Japan's whaling practices, a Foreign Ministry official said.

Albright stressed that Washington would have no recourse but to take sanctions against Japanese products unless Tokyo stops the research.

``We are deeply troubled by what is happening. Whether it's for commercial or research purposes, it should not be happening,'' Albright told reporters after the meeting.

Kono promised Albright he would relay her concerns to Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori.
 

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