Greenpeace urges Japan to stop whaling

Greenpeace volunteers have gathered in front of Japan's embassy in Moscow in a plea to get the country to halt whale hunting. Diplomats were handed a Valentine's card in a show of love towards the nation, but not its activities.

It follows a special meeting of the International Whaling Commission, IWC, hosted by Japan that was aimed at overturning the hunting ban.

Some of the 72 countries which are IWC members say all whales need protection, while others claim there are species abundant enough for limited hunting.

Commercial whaling has been banned since 1986, but Japan has continued for scientific research, killing hundreds each year.