Japanese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Listed in Ban
Russia on November 11 expanded its entry ban against Japan to include an additional 30 Japanese citizens. Among those banned from entering are a Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson. Japan responded on November 12, stating that Russia's entry ban was "unacceptable." Previously, Tokyo had imposed sanctions on Moscow due to Russia's war in Ukraine over the past four years.
In September this year, Japan imposed additional sanctions on some Russian companies, individuals, and other entities, while also lowering the import ceiling for Russian maritime crude oil.
The Russian Foreign Ministry published a list of additional Japanese citizens on November 11, who were added to the "indefinite" entry ban. The new list includes a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Takahiro Kitamura (音), as well as journalists and scholars.
Japan has lodged a protest, calling it "regrettable." On the 12th, the Chief Cabinet Secretary emphasized at a press conference that civilian exchanges between the two countries remain important, while accusing Moscow of shifting the responsibility for its invasion of Ukraine onto others.
Although following the lead of Western allies in imposing some sanctions on Russia, Japan continues to import energy from Sakhalin Island in Russia's Far East. In this regard, the United States has called on Japan to cut ties with Moscow in this area. The Japanese government stated that Japan will take appropriate steps to help achieve peace in Ukraine while ensuring national interests.
Source: rfi
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848588096398346/
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