The International Whaling Commission opened its meeting on Monday with Japan saying it won't oppose bowhead whaling for Eskimos in Alaska.
Japan has tried to muster opposition to Eskimo whaling in hopes of overturning a ban on commercial whaling. But representatives said that won't happen this year because there aren't enough votes.
U.S. representatives said they aren't so sure. Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), who delivered a speech in support of Eskimo whaling, said there is no guarantee Japan won't try to block the quota.
"It is more than a right -- it is an absolute necessity which affects every facet of their well-being," Stevens said in his speech. "To deny this history would jeopardize their way of life."
The IWC previously approved a quota of 75 bowhead strikes over five years for two Eskimo communities.
Get the Story:Japan vows to support Eskimo whaling this year (The Anchorage Daily News 5/29)
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Whaling a 'Necessity' to Eskimos, Senator Says (AP 5/29)
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Cultural claim to whale hunting (BBC 5/29) Relevant Links:
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