Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa on Tuesday reiterated the call by the G7 for Iran to pull back on its assistance to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“We take it extremely seriously that many citizens are being sacrificed throughout Ukraine as a result of the alleged Russian attacks by Iranian drones,” Hayashi said at a regular press conference. “The Group of Seven foreign ministers also agreed to call on Iran to immediately halt any assistance to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Japan once again strongly condemns Iran for providing drones to Russia.”

Hayashi said Japan has taken every opportunity to exchange views with Iran on the situation in Ukraine, including the Japan-Iran summit in September. He added that Japan “has urged Iran to play a constructive role with regional and international communities in promoting peace and stability, and we would like to continue to approach Iran on this.” 

Some Japanese politicians called on the G7 including Japan to seek a diplomatic approach rather than sanctions or military support to stop the war and the destruction in Ukraine.

Hayashi would not be drawn on this issue of sanctions against Iran but added, “We need to consider various different points.”

As for Russia, Hayashi said the invasion of Ukraine was an “outrageous act that shakes the very foundation of the international order” and that Europe and Asia had to show Russia it would “pay a high price” for its attempt to “change the status quo by force.”

“Japan, together with the International Community such as the G7 Nations, is implementing strategic measures such as sanctions against individuals and organizations, as well as sanctions in the financial sector,” Hayashi said, noting that bank assets had been frozen and export/ import bans imposed.

As a result, he said, “We have seen some impact, such as a decrease in the manufacturing of weapons.” Hayashi emphasized that food was not among the targets of sanctions.

These moves, the Japanese foreign minister  said, were “the result of Russia’s aggression. Russia must stop its aggression as soon as possible. We will collaborate with the International Community, including G7 Nations and we will implement strong sanctions.”