Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida AP FILE PHOTO
TOKYO, Japan鈥擩apan has announced a set of sanctions against Russia for its recognition of Crimea as an independent state.
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said in a statement that Japan does not recognize the outcome of Crimea鈥檚 referendum to split from Ukraine, saying it violates the Ukrainian constitution.
Japan鈥檚 sanctions involve suspension of talks on relaxing visa requirements between Japan and Russia as well as planned talks on investment, space and military.
The moves are seen as modest compared to sanctions by the United States and European Union, which have frozen the assets of individuals linked to the unrest in Crimea or who support the region鈥檚 vote to secede from Ukraine.
Kishida also urged Russia to comply with international laws, withdraw the recognition of Crimea鈥檚 independence and not move further toward its annexation.
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