Clashes expected over Japan's bid to resume commercial whaling

Japanese government expected to propose reforms to the International Whaling Commission allowing them to circumvent the current ban

Attempts by Japan to resume commercial whaling are likely to raise controversy at the International Whaling Commission meeting, as opponents decry the country's suggested reforms as a covert way to revive the banned practice.

The Japanese government is tabling proposals that would allow members of the IWC to circumvent some of its key decisions, such as ending the killing of whales for consumption of their meat.