WELLINGTON, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed disappointment on Wednesday about Japan's leaving the International Whaling Commission in order to resume commercial whaling.
"While we seriously welcome the announcement that Japan will cease whaling in the Southern Ocean, we are disappointed it is leaving the commission with an intention to resume commercial whaling within Japan's own exclusive economic zone," Peters said.
Peters made the statement after he discussed with his Japanese counterpart about Japan's position in the International Whaling Commission.
"Japan is a valued supporter of the international rules-based system and we had hoped Japan would choose to stay in the commission," 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"Whaling is an outdated and unnecessary practice.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," he added.
