Australia's foreign minister urges Japan to halt Antarctic whaling, wants continuing talks

TOKYO (AP) - Australia's new foreign minister urged Japan to halt whaling near Antarctica and said he hopes the two countries can discuss the issue further, citing their strong bilateral ties, an official said Thursday.

Australia strongly opposes Japan's whaling. Japan has staunchly defended its annual killing of more than 1,000 whales, conducted under a clause in International Whaling Commission rules that allows whales to be taken for scientific purposes. Critics claim it is commercial hunting, banned by the commission since 1986.

Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, who arrived Thursday in Tokyo after visiting the United States, told his Japanese counterpart Masahiko Komura that Australians see no need for research on whales, according to an official from the Japanese Foreign Ministry. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, citing protocol.

The official said Smith maintained that the two countries, which enjoy strong ties, should be able to continue discussions on the issue.

Komura defended the whaling program as scientific, and said the issue should not hamper bilateral relations, according to the official.

Australia last month sent a customs ship to collect video and photo evidence that could be used to challenge the Japanese whaling program in international courts.