(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) Tokyo April 29 - In addition to similar sanctions it adopted earlier this month against Russia for its recognition of Ukraine's Crimea region as a sovereign state Japan on Tuesday announced more sanctions and imposed visa bans on 23 people including Russian government officials.
The measures Japan adopted followed the United States and the European Union in announcing expanded sanctions against Russia over its actions in Ukraine including asset freezes and visa bans over its lack of concrete actions to help resolve the crisis in Ukraine Kishida urged all the parties concerned to restrain themselves and act responsibly and expressed hope that the Ukraine's situation will be normalized through diplomatic dialogue.
"Japan expresses serious concern that Russian moves to violate Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity including the annexation of Crimea are continuing and that the Ukraine situation is not improved despite a 17 April agreement reached in Geneva" Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said in a statement.
"As stated in a joint statement released by the Group of Seven (G-7) leaders on April 26 the G-7 nations including Japan have agreed to move swiftly to impose additional sanctions on Russia" said Kishida. "Based on this perspective Japan decided to suspend issuing entry visas for 23 Russian people who are allegedly involved with violation of the independence and sovereignty of Ukraine" the minister added.
The Japanese Foreign Ministry did not disclose the names titles or nationalities of the 23 people hit with the new visa bans. A ministry official said Japan's list was based on those compiled by the United States and the European Union.
In March Japan introduced the first package of sanctions against Russia including suspension of talks for relaxing visa requirements and negotiation on a new investment pact as well as bilateral agreements on ensuring the peaceful use of space and preventing dangerous military activities.
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