Japan imposes sanctions on Russia over Crimea crisis

Crimea crisis

TOKYO - Japan on Tuesday imposed sanctions on Russia over crisis related to Crimea, according to Japan's Foreign Ministry.

In a statement released by the ministry Tuesday, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said that the Japanese government does not recognize Sunday's Crimean referendum, which said over 95 percent of voters wanted the region join in Russia.

Kishida announced in the statement to suspend negotiation with Russia on relaxing visa regulation and talks on agreements covering investment, outerspace and prevention of dangerous military movement.

The Crimean parliament on Monday adopted a resolution on the independence of the territory and asked Russia to admit it as its new constituent member.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to recognize Crimea as a sovereign and independent state, according to the Kremlin press service Monday.

Crimea holds referendum on future	Crimeans celebrate vote to join Russia