Japan formally OKs additional Russia sanctions

Japan has formally approved additional sanctions against Russia over the unrest in Ukraine, The Associated Press reported.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Tuesday the sanctions include the freezing of assets held in Japan by 40 individuals and two groups supporting the separation of Crimea from Ukraine, and a ban on Crimean imports. He said the steps are in line with measures taken by European Union and Group of Seven nations.

He said financial institutions operating in Japan will follow the decision under the foreign exchange law.

Despite the sanctions, Japan is still open to dialogue with Russia, and hopes to assist in a peaceful settlement of the problem by cooperating with the international community, Suga said.

Japan introduced the plans last week after the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17.

The U.S. and Ukraine accuse pro-Russia rebels of firing a missile that brought the plane down, killing all 298 people on board.

Washington and EU have debated imposing tougher sanctions against Moscow over its support for the rebels.