No wailing among pair of PMs

WHALING seems set to restart in the Southern Ocean with the Japanese Prime Minister giving his strongest hint yet his country will not be stopped by an International Court of Justice ruling.

In a visit to Canberra to sign a free- trade agreement and expand military links, Shinzo Abe was questioned on the issue and stated his support for “scientific” whaling.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the issue would not damage friendly relations, saying: “Friends can disagree on subjects.”

The comments came after a historic address to federal Parliament in which Mr Abe made a heartfelt apology to Australians who lost their lives on the Kokoda Trail and other World War II battles.

Giving “most sincere condolences towards the many souls who lost their lives”, he promised to “never let the horrors of the past” repeat as he announced the birth of a new, “special relationship” with Australia.

“We will now join up in a scrum, just like in rugby, to nurture a regional and world order and to safeguard peace,” Mr Abe said.

In veiled references to China, both Mr Abe and Mr Abbott spoke of their desire for continuing peace.

“Ours is not a partnership against anyone, it is a partnership for peace, for prosperity and for the rule of law,” Mr Abbott said.

Under the free trade deal, tariffs will be lifted on Japanese imports such as cars and televisions and there will be a reduction in barriers to some Australian primary produce such as beef.