Japan removes humpback whales from Antarctic hunt

Machimura said Japan made its decision to spare the humpbacks after holding talks with the head of the IWC. He said Japan would suspend its humpback whale hunt while the IWC held talks on "normalizing" its functions, but would continue with its "scientific research" whaling.

Machimura said the IWC had been distorted by ideology.

Japan's whaling fleet set sail last month with plans to catch more than 1,000 whales, including 50 humpbacks. It is due back early next year.

'NO PROBLEM' WITH WHALING

Japan, which says whaling is a cherished cultural tradition, abandoned commercial whaling in accordance with an international moratorium in 1986, but began what it calls a scientific research whaling program the following year.

Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura defended his country's whaling, saying it was in line with international treaties.

Komura spoke by telephone with his Australian counterpart, who voiced his concern over the issue, the Tokyo Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It said Komura had restated Japan's basic stance on research whaling. The ministry said Smith had given an assurance that the row would not harm bilateral ties.

Smith's spokesman told Reuters: "The Australian government welcomes the announcement by Japan that it will suspend its plan to kill humpback whales this season.