1.   Over half a century later, the dispute prevents Japan from signing a peace treaty with Russia.

2.   Some lawmakers said this and other disputes could prevent Congress from passing the spending bill before the break.

3.   Some senior congressional aides said the dispute could prevent Congress from passing the spending bill before the break.

4.   The dispute has prevented Tokyo and Moscow from signing a peace treaty ending the war.

5.   Both countries claim ownership, and the dispute has prevented them from signing a peace treaty.

6.   Both countries claim the islands and the dispute has prevented them from signing a peace treaty.

7.   Both countries claimed ownership, and the dispute prevented them from signing a peace treaty.

8.   Both Japan and Russia claim ownership, and the dispute has prevented the two from signing a peace treaty formally ending wartime hostilities.

9.   Foreign Minister Anatoliy Zlenko said the dispute is preventing the countries from normal cooperation.

10.   If unresolved, the dispute could prevent both countries from entering the European Union and NATO.