Japan freezes assets related to Iran
JAPAN: The Japanese government decided Friday to freeze the
assets of 10 groups and 12 individuals related to Iran's nuclear and
missile programmes, under a UN sanction resolution approved in December.
"We must execute the measures with a determined will and resolve
because (the Iranian nuclear problem) affects the nuclear
non-proliferation regime and North Korea's nuclear problem," foreign
minister Taro Aso told reporters after the cabinet approved the
measures.
The cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also decided to ban transfer
of funds in connection with Iran's sensitive nuclear and ballistic
missile programmes.
The measures will become effective Saturday.
Japan, despite being a close US ally, has maintained close trade ties
with Iran. Asia's largest economy is almost entirely dependent on the
Middle East for its oil, and imports about 15 percent of its total oil
consumption from Iran.
Last year, the UN Security Council unanimously approved a resolution
imposing sanctions that target Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile
programmes.
Aso called on Iran to stop its uranium enrichment activities and
return to the negotiating table before and after the passage of the
resolution.
Tokyo, Friday, AFP |