(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday condemned Russia for its move to annex Ukraine's Crimea region, saying that Tokyo is is considering additional sanctions against Moscow. "Russia's action to annex Crimea violates Ukraine's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We condemn it," Abe told a parliamentary committee. "Japan cannot overlook any attempt to change the status quo by force," the premier said, Japan's NHK World reported. His remarks come after Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday signed a treaty claiming the Black Sea region as Russian territory. On Tuesday, Japan announced an initial set of sanctions against Russia, including suspension of talks on easing visa requirements and negotiation on a new investment pact. Japan's sanctions are milder than the punitive measures by the US and European Union, which include asset freeze and travel restrictions on Russian and Ukrainian officials. "Japan will continue to cooperate with its Group of Seven (G-7) and other countries in considering further steps against Russia," Abe said, adding that he is expected to discuss the matter with G-7 leaders next week on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague. The G-7 groups Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US. Abe also said Japan will continue to call on Russia to peacefully resolve the situatio
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