TOKYO, September 19 (RIA Novosti) – The timing and scope of possible sanctions against Russia have not been determined yet, Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Fumio Kishida said at a press conference Friday.
"At the moment the details of when and what exactly will be done are yet to be determined," the minister said.
At the same time, he noted that "Japan should adopt a position, based on a careful study of the situation in Ukraine and other circumstances, as well as the interaction with the countries of seven [The Group of Seven leading industrial nations]."
Media reported earlier that on Friday, Japan would announce a new package of sanctions against Russia in connection with the situation in Ukraine.
In March, Japan suspended talks with Russia on visa facilitation and slowed the start of negotiations on two other agreements: on preventing dangerous military activities in space and investment cooperation. In April the government announced a ban on visas for 23 Russian officials, though the list has not been made public.
In early August the Japanese government approved sanctions against former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and 39 other politicians and officials who represent the Republic of Crimea, as well as the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics. In addition Japan banned the import of all goods produced in Crimea.
