Japan imposes sanctions on Russia over Crimea crisis

Tokyo: Japan on Tuesday imposed sanctions on Russia over crisis related to Crimea, according to its foreign ministry.

Protesters chant anti-Putin slogans in Ukraine. Pic: AFP

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said the Japanese government does not recognize Sunday's Crimean referendum, which said over 95 percent of voters wanted the region join in Russia, reported Xinhua.

Kishida announced in a statement to suspend negotiation with Russia on relaxing visa regulation and talks on agreements covering investment, outerspace and prevention of dangerous military movement.

The Crimean parliament on Monday adopted a resolution on the independence of the territory and asked Russia to admit it as its new constituent member.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to recognize Crimea as a sovereign and independent state, according to the Kremlin press service Monday.