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Anti-Russian sanctions

Japanese PM says new measures may be taken against Russia over Crimea

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says Japan criticizes for breaching Ukraine’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

© EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

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Japan halts consultations on easing visa regime with Russia

TOKYO, March 19. /ITAR-TASS/. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Wednesday that Tokyo was considering new measures against Russia in connection with the signing of the agreement on the accession of Crimea and Sevastopol to the Russian Federation.

“We will examine further steps against Russia,” Abe told a meeting in the budget committee of the upper house of parliament. “We criticize (Russia’s annexation of Crimea) for breaching Ukraine’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Tokyo on March 18 in connection with the events around Ukraine suspended negotiations with Russia on easing the visa regime and froze the beginning of talks on the possible conclusion of three agreements - on investment cooperation, cooperation in space exploration and on the prevention of dangerous military activity. The Japanese premier said that now Japan would consider taking new steps against Russia together with the G7 states and other countries.

He also said that he could, if the parliament situation allows, take part in an informal G7 summit to discuss the situation around Ukraine. According to Abe, the United States had proposed to hold the summit within the framework of a nuclear security forum that is to be held in The Hague on March 24-25.

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