LOC20:15
17:15 GMT
TOKYO, March 7 (KUNA) -- China on Friday voiced opposition to sanctions and
called for a political solution to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine's southern
Crimea autonomous republic, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.
"The Chinese side is always opposed to the frequent use of sanctions or the
threat of sanctions in international relations," Foreign Ministry spokesman
Qin Gang told a news briefing in Beijing, according to the report.
Qin made the remarks in response to a question on China's stance as some
officials from the US and the European Union were talking about sanctions
against Russia.
On Thursday, the US government announced visa bans and an asset freeze
against those involved in what it called Russia's takeover of Crimea,
following suspension of trade and investment talks and military-to-military
engagement with Russia.
US President Barack Obama has told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin
that Russia's actions in Crimea "are in violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and
territorial integrity, which has led us to take several steps in response, in
coordination with our European partners."
Qin said China hopes "all sides concerned will take measures to avoid
further escalation of the tension and work together to seek a political
solution to the crisis, which is the only right way out."
As to the Crimean parliament's plan for a referendum on remaining part of
Ukraine or joining Russia, Qin called on parties concerned to act within the
framework of the law, conduct dialogue and negotiations, and address problems
peacefully.
"(We) hope that all the sides will substantially respect the legal rights
of all ethnic groups in Ukraine, resume social order at an early date, and
safeguard peace and stability in the region," said the spokesman. (end)
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KUNA 072015 Mar 14NNNN