After an 11-year break, Japan intends to import whale meat again. Although the plan has been flayed by environmentalists, Japan has said that it would also expand its research whaling programme.

"Japan has been discussing the issue for months with Norway and hopes to reach a positive conclusion soon,' said Masayuki Komatsu, a counsellor for the Fisheries Agency.

According to reports, the resumption of whale meat import could come as early as in May, 2002. "I can't say exactly when imports would resume,' Komatsu said, adding, "it depends on agreement on a number of conditions.'

Among these conditions are setting up a system to prevent smuggling, including dna databases, and the establishment of a testing system to ensure that the meat is safe for consumption.

The imports would amount to 10-20 tonnes over several months, and would consist of red meat from minke whales, which Norway and Japan say are plentiful. Norway raised its whaling quota for 2002 recently and showed its willingness to restart exports to Japan.