(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida urged Russia to take constructive actions to resolve the Ukraine crisis on Thursday, one day after Tokyo decided additional sanctions against Moscow over the issue.
"We demand Russia to take constructive actions toward a peaceful solution to the Ukraine situation based on a ceasefire agreement, with absolute respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Kishida said in a statement.
On Wednesday, Japan announced fresh sanctions against Russia over its annexation of Crimea and the instability in eastern Ukraine. The new sanctions, took effect immediately, included restrictions on exports of arms and transfer of weapons technology to Russia.
The government also bans five Russian banks from issuing securities in Japan. But Kishida also said Japan is ready to ease or lift the sanctions if Russia takes active and obvious steps for the peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian crisis.
According to the minister, Japan imposed additional sanctions because there is no clear evidence that Russia has stopped attempts to destabilize the Ukraine situation.
It was the third time Japan has imposed sanctions against Russia following its annexation of the Crimean peninsula and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Japan's earlier sanctions, which were imposed in March and August, included suspension of talks on easing visa requirements and negotiation on a new investment pact.
The freezing of assets held in Japan by Russian individuals or groups judged to be directly involved in Russia's as well as restrictions on imports from Crimea were also among the measures.
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