LOC10:30
07:30 GMT
TOKYO, Jan 27 (KUNA) - Japan on Friday decided to expand its sanctions on Russia over its military operation in Ukraine, the government announced.
The new measures, approved at a Cabinet meeting, added the freezing of assets of 36 individuals and three entities, including Russian Cabinet ministers, military officials, and pro-Russian individuals in eastern and southern Ukraine, the Foreign Ministry said in a press release.
The fresh sanctions also include export bans to 49 more entities, including several aircraft repair plants in Russia, it said. In addition, Tokyo will ban Russia-bound exports of items that could be used for the development of Russia's military capacity, such as oil and gas exploration rigs, tea gas, X-ray inspection machines and robots, effective Feb. 3, according to the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry.
"Japan will continue to powerfully push ahead with sanctions on Russia and support to Ukraine in cooperation with the international community, including Group of Seven (G-7) countries," Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiji Kihara said at a press conference.
Kihara also said it is necessary for the international community, including the G-7, to unite and deal with the issue with a decisive resolution. The G-7 industrialized countries include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US. (end)
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