Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan on the Measures against Russia over the Crimea referendum

"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)

Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations

National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan on the Measures against Russia over the Crimea referendum

[Place]

[Date] March 18, 2014

[Source] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

[Notes]

[Full text]

1. The referendum in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Ukraine violates the constitution of Ukraine. It has no legal effect and Japan does not recognize its outcome.

2. Japan deplores that Russia has recognized independence of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea which infringes on unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Japan can never overlook an attempt to change the status quo with force in the background.

3. In the wake of such development, Japan has decided to take the following measures vis-a-vis Russia: suspension of consultation for easing visa regulations as well as freeze of launching negotiations of a new investment agreement, an outer space cooperation agreement and an agreement for prevention of dangerous military activities.

4. Japan strongly urges Russia to withdraw its recognition of independence of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and not to attempt annexation of that, observing international law and respecting Ukraine's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Japan also expresses grave concern and apprehension over increasing tensions in the eastern part of Ukraine.