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2014 March 12 - 18 [POLITICS]

JCP urges gov’t to clarify its stance against Russian military intervention in Crimea

Regarding the Russian military intervention in Ukraine, Japanese Communist Party lawmaker Kasai Akira on March 12 at a Lower House Foreign Affairs Committee meeting said that the Abe Cabinet should clarify its position in order to promote a peaceful settlement of the issue.

Under the presence of the Russian military, the assembly of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, southern Ukraine, on March 11 adopted an independence declaration from Ukraine. European countries, including member nations of the United Nations Security Council, criticized the incorporation of Crimea into Russia as illegal.

Kasai asked if the government thinks it is internationally acceptable for Crimea, a part of Ukraine, to unilaterally declare independence and to join the Russian Federation.

Foreign Minister Kishida Fumio in response said that the Ukrainian Constitution requires the people to carry out a national referendum for a cession of its territory, indicating that the independence move is unconstitutional.

Kasai argued that if the Russian government deploys its military forces throughout Ukraine, it will amount to an invasion in violation of international law.

Kishida replied that as it is not yet confirmed whether Russia’s act amounts to an invasion or not, the Japanese government will carefully observe the development of the situation.

The JCP lawmaker criticized the Abe Cabinet for remaining silent on this issue while many countries have raised voices against it and added, “The government should take a firm stance against Russia’s move and help to seek for a peaceful settlement.”