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© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Japan steps up sanctions against Russia
By MARI YAMAGUCHI TOKYO©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.
103 Comments
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jj1067
While France is still selling battleships to Russia and Obama can't do anything about it. "International community" ha.
Jay Wilson
Moscow will pay for either shooting down the plane or giving the rebel scum the means to do it
Bear27840
Through the use of Western Media the world has forgot that it was America's CIA that started the whole mess in Ukraine NOT Russia. The Rouge government of America did not like the newly elected Ukraine government wanting closer ties with Russia and not the EU or Rouge America so a Coup was done to replace the sovereign elected government with a Billionaire that is nothing more than a lackey of the EU and America.
This is the truth yet JAPANTODAY will remove my comment as they normally do foe me just stating the 'TRUTH'.
Jay Wilson
If those barbarians in Moscow were interested in good relations with Japan, then how about offering to return two of the islands and actually sticking to the agreement, unlike last time
commanteer
Both Russian and the US have shot down civilian airliners, so I am a little tired of hearing this charge repeated at Russian ad nauseam, as though the US has clean hands in this regard. Amazing none of the posters here seem aware of the US shooting down an Iranian passenger jet filled with innocent people under very similar circumstances in 1988-killing everyone on board. And yet Americans (?) here are calling Russians terrorists over the very same action.
So far as Japan being a USA puppet, that's more propaganda. Only the US has demonstrated the willingness and ability to stand with Japan against China if push comes to shove. Such support obviously demands some cooperation on other issues. While Japan could benefit from better relations with Russia, security must come first. And nobody else comes close to offering what the US offers Japan in this regard.
I am sure that, behind the scenes, the Japanese are telling the Russians "Sorry, but we had to." I'm sure the Russians will punish them in some small way over this, but they also have a an interest in good relations with Japan. After this blows over, they will most likely be back on track.
Jay Wilson
Let us not get to off track here; were talking about Russia, who have in the past shot down a civilian airliner
badsey3
Russia is basically the opposite of Japan: Russia has huge resources and a low population --> and because of this they are a huge target. The pushed out all the oligarchs a decade+ ago.
People want to see the real data on this incident and everyone has a camera with video right now. Russia has shown their data and Ukraine is hiding theirs. The data is all over the internet(s) and people are piecing together their conclusions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYQUBSf7TtE
motytrah
So back to the topic at hand. Japan get's something like 13-15% of it's LNG from Russia. I would expect there's going to be some issues with supplies come winter time. Because of existing export strategy the US was already going to be competitive with LNG exports in Asia but it won't be fully realized until 2015 and beyond. Stock up on extra blankets.
For Russia this is a non-event. Russia forgave most of North Korea's debt in order to put pipelines into Red China. The communist Chinese regime is not exactly pleased with Russia's methods, but at the end of the day they'll buy what ever energy Russia is selling and stay natural on the rest. It will likely offset whatever losses they'll face when Europe and some of the players in Asia stop dealing with them next year.
So, end of day, Russia really doesn't have to care, and I don't see any reason why they would care. You could have video showing the Russians shooting down the plane. So what? China is happy to buy what Russia is selling. And Europe is timid as they'd prefer not to freeze to death this winter. it's not like Russia actually makes anything of consequence outside of the natural resources they export. It's basically petro products, minerals, vodka and guns.
All the propaganda stuff is just a distraction for Russia, mostly meant to placate a domestic audience. It's a bit heartwarming really as it harkens back to Soviet Russia days and it speaks highly for JT that it's attracts folks willing to spread gov't propaganda! It also helps that Putin has systematically been exterminating independent news sources in Russia. Who wants to take bets on when the gulag system returns?
The people of Russia love Putin and they deserve the economy and (lack of) freedoms they'll get because of it.
badsey3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUvK5m2vxro#t=43
-that is a BBC Russia correspondent, where the video was deleted.
JoeBigs
Nice try, but using elektropostman propaganda puff pieces is just silly. But, then you bring out the heavy guns, you try and use Globalresearch.com the conspiracy wing-nut site of the internet. The site does do one good thing, it points out who are conspiracy nuts.
Really trying to hard there to earn your 30 Rubles there. But, as long as the only proof that you can bring to bear is based on speculation and conspiracy theories you will be treated as a pariah.
BTW, globalresearch is as reliable as Worldnetdaily. Hey, here's an idea for you and your sidekick, why not just start adding Stormfront.com as another of your sources that would round out your insane theories and bigotries perfectly.
badsey3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUvK5m2vxro#t=43
http://www.globalresearch.ca/german-pilot-speaks-out-shocking-analysis-of-the-shooting-down-of-malaysian-mh17/5394111
http://www.globalresearch.ca/ukrainian-su-25-fighter-detected-in-close-approach-to-mh17-before-crash-photographic-evidence/5392501
Sidekick
Yawn. The same jew-controlled orgnizations. The same biased information.
lucabrasi
@Sidekick
You're an anti -Semite.
Stop it.
JoeBigs
Since it seems that you have certain bigotries towards certain religions and the people who follow those religions how about Amnesty International or do you also consider them a Jew-controlled organization?
http://www.amnesty.org/en/region/russia
If you have a problem with that organization how about Human Rights Watch?
http://www.hrw.org/europecentral-asia/russia
Okay if you also have problems with those, how about Wikipedia?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Russia
But, if you have even more problems with those how about Reporters Without Borders?
http://en.rsf.org/
http://rsf.org/index2014/en-asia.php
BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2957823.stm
The list goes on and on.
But, of course you have issues with anyone or any organization that exposes Putin and his gang for what they are. There is no way to wipe the blood off his hands no matter how hard you and the rest of your 30-Rubal Army may try.
Crimes like his come back to haunt those that commit them.
Sidekick
are you shifting issues to France instead of accepting the truth?
Huh? This is just not the truth. You have claimed that "Russia had the most revolutions". Actually, France had much more, than Russia. Read some history book, please or just check wikipedia article about history of France.
France hasn't had a revolution in the last 200 years.
It doesn't matter whether France had a revolution in the last 200 years. It has been said that "Russia had the most revolutions". This is plain wrong.
I am having a hard time understanding you.
Why? It's rather simple. By comparison to the USA, Russia has no such a "rich" history of discriminatiin or segregation towards to either natives or, say, "coloured" people.
Hate is not an American value.
Actually, it is. That is why you worship firearms and that is why almost everyday some agressive idiot comes to public place and shoots innocent people. That is why you praise atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Only Americans wrote in Twitter and other social networks that "Tohoku Disaster and Tsunami was a God's revenge for attack of Pearl Harbor".
What you have accomplish for a good cause in humanity?
For instance, the Soviet Union called people all around the Globe to uprise against foreign opressors and fight for independence and self-determination. That is why people of India and China call us friends. That is why in certain countries of Latin America or Africa you can walk around freely if you are Russian. And you can get a knife in your throat in case if you are an American.
The world is an ultimate judge.
But you're not the world. LOL. Just a few countries of anglosphere and boneless servants of Uncle Sam from Europe. A bunch of politicsl clowns.
It will be a big slap on your face with the sanction
Uh-huh.Hardly those sanctions could cause anymore except rapidly growing level of anti-americanism among Russian citizens. Having solid trade partnership with Middle East, India, China, Latin America Russia wanna ignore your "sanctions". Funny, even Japanese are still doing business with Russia, simply spitting upon your "sanctions".
Now to be fair I'll toss the US of A which is ranked Polirical Rights 1 and Civil Liberties1. Now that were you saying?
http:// www.freedomhouse.com/
Big deal. Some jew-controlled organization, located on U.S. territory, ranked the USA as 1 in all possible fields. Pretty amazing! LOL.
JoeBigs
If Abe was concerned about drawing Russia's ire he would never of imposed the sanctions in the first part.
Truly neutral, I see.
France hasn't had a revolution in the last 200 years, but if I am mistaken please point it out. Oh wait there was the Algerian revolt of 54. But that wasn't fought in France.
You don't have to be a racial minority to be oppressed you could be a political opponent of the government or even a human rights advocate..
Freedom of the Press Russia is ranked # 121.
http://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2014?gclid=CPSm3qOF7r8CFYyXvQodDT8AYg#.U9lrvaPlqJB
On a scale of 1 to 7, 7 being the worst Russia is ranked as follows; Political Rights 6 and Civil Liberties 5.
Now, to be fair I'll toss in the US of A which is ranked; Political Rights 1 and Civil Liberties 1. Now, what were you saying?
http://www.freedomhouse.org/
http://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2014?gclid=CMm-1r-H7r8CFYt8vQodlnwAHA#.U9luEKPlqJB
In ranking of Human Development Index by nation.
Ireland 11, Spain 27, Greece 29, Estonia 33, Lithuania 35, Portugal 41, Hungary 43, Latvia 48, Romania 54, , Russia 57, Bulgaria 58
If you can provide a ranking that backs up your claim then by all means please provide it.
Actually it's Istanbul, a third of it's population is location on the Asia side. Russia does have the largest population of any European nation, but the EU as a whole has a much larger population than Russia.
globalwatcher
SidekickJul. 31, 2014 - 04:52AM JST
Sidekick, are you shifting issues to France instead of accepting the truth? France is doing fine.
I am having a hard time understanding you. If you are talking about a discrimination, a segregation against citizens based on skin colors, then that ended in the 60 by the US Civil Right Law 14th Amendment. It is no longer legal to do that.
Three fingers point at us?
Hate is not an American value.
Please tell us what you have accomplished for a good cause in humanity? None, NADA, zip, ZERO from Russians. The world is an ultimate judge. It will be a big slap on your face with the sanction, mark my word. You may all end up in line waiting for a loaf of bread like you used to do. This is what Putin decided to do. Blame your leader, not us.
.
Jay Wilson
The fact that Japan is amping up sanctions on Russia, while being a good thing, should be noted that with or without the sanctions, Putin and his ilk never had ANY intention of returning any of he stolen islands back to Japan
Sidekick
Russia had the most revolutions in history.
Hint : read about history of France.
People are continuosly opressed.
Natives of Russian Federation live on their historical land, not in reservations. There were not such infamous inscriptions in public places of Russia as "for whites", "coloured only".
Indeed, as it has been pointed above, when you points one finger, three fingers points at you.
Asian2014
Russia may be guilty, Russia may be not! The shooting of a Malaysian airline either is intended or purely not intended. Russia definitely has no intention of shooting down a Malaysian plane or guiding someone to shoot the plane. It is totally foolhardy! So what happened? In time the truth will be known. In this instance, I think Abe has to do this now and try to wriggle out of he quagmire at a later time. The islands can wait a few months. But Abe will not do more as this might draw Russia's ire.
globalwatcher
OlegekJul. 30, 2014 - 02:38PM JST
You are not told the truth of Russian history.
Why are you comparing with these countries? . You have demonstrated a manipulative mind set. . You need to admit that most are former USSR member countries. except Spain Portugal, Greece and Ireland.
You do not want to brag about it. It has nothing to do with the size. It is a failure of Russian government to distribute common goods to the people of Russia. Communism never works.
Michal Ostrihoň
So sadly, even Japan believes lies and not facts? Well I guess, it is still US puppet after all.
Olegek
You should study Russian history first
Surprise - standart of living in Russia today is higher than in many EU members like Romania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Spain, Portugal, Greece , Irland, Hungary
Moscow is a biggest city in Europe my friend
Not Paris and not London
globalwatcher
Do not trust anything what Putin said and promised. This guy was born with a silver tongue. He will tell you anything, everything WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR.
toshiko
The U.S. and EU have debated imposing tougher sanctions against Moscow because of its support for the rebels
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Japan is slower than EU and US in sanction because Japan did not participate in this sanction talks. So, carefully, Japan examined what to add/increase to sanction against Russia. Although Puttin wanted to sell oil to Japan, Japan is getting deal with Mexico and other countries. Japan Inc Oil transporting companies seem to like their oil tanker ships operating all year around than icy Russian seas half year idle. It is not sanction. .Japanese sanction may be very effective but Kremlin is welcoming trouble makers who may rebel against current /Russian system that is not like Soviet Union.
globalwatcher
Russia had the most revolutions in history. No rest and peace ever existed in Russia. People are continuously oppressed, and with this sanction, the people of Russia will suffer the most. No wonder tons of Russians want to immigrate to a country of "Dumb and Dumber" LOL
Sidekick
Who cares about the U.S.? A country that starts wars everywhere, installs puppet governments and imposes its will and corporate interests on countries around the world. It's a country in decline with a staggering national debt, growing unemployment, a dumbed down culture, and increasingly becoming a militarized, police state with FEMA camps, RFID chips, and all manners of surveillance and enslavement for its citizens. It's a waning global influence, has become the most despised nation on the planet and on the road to self-destruction.
They seriously think that they represent the whole civilized world. ROTFL. Heroes of "Dumb and Dumber."
EthanWilber
Both J-govt’s approaches on Russia and N.K are fundamentally flawed if not submerged in the shade of wishful-thinking. The fact of matter is that even though Abe keeps flirting with Russia and N.K, there is litter reason to believe Russia and N.K may align themselves with Japan given their ultimate interests to counter the US on the wrold stages.
Because of a string of Japan’s double-dealing activities including Abe’s intent to meet Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang , many people from American think tanks start questioning J-govt’s true motives let alone its loyalty to the long-term allies.
sfjp330
Alina HoneyquinJul. 30, 2014 - 07:38AM JST Abe trying to water down the sanctions is understandable, especially since there was no peace treaty signed after the end of WW2 between Japan and Russia.
Japanese trade reached record $35 billion and Japan actively buys Russian fuel. Russia accounts for 10% of Japan’s total LNG imports. Due to Russia's close proximatity to Japan, there has been serious discussion for LNG pipeline from Sakalin to Hokaiddo. If the relations improves, the pipeline will become a reality.
genjuro
Who cares about the U.S.? A country that starts wars everywhere, installs puppet governments and imposes its will and corporate interests on countries around the world. It's a country in decline with a staggering national debt, growing unemployment, a dumbed down culture, and increasingly becoming a militarized, police state with FEMA camps, RFID chips, and all manners of surveillance and enslavement for its citizens. It's a waning global influence, has become the most despised nation on the planet and on the road to self-destruction.
Sure, the U.S. will be left alone. No doubt about that.
Sidekick
Love, love, love to Russians on JT is just beyond me.
That's not "love" but rather ability of some people not to live in one-dimensional world and make valid conclusions by themselves.
When next earthquake come, hope Russia will come and help you
After the Great Tohoku Earthquake Russians sent a big team of rescue workers immediately. Strange, that you know nothing about.
...just like they have done to invade the Northern Island of Hokkaido
Russians never invaded Hokkaido. Did you study history at all?
Alina Honeyquin
Ironically, the only real opposition to Putin and his party United Russia is the communist party, and most the young generation is too scared to vote for them, or too depressed to go vote at all. IMHO after Soviet Union collapsed they should have sacked all of the people who worked for the government and beurocracy. That's why we are having these problems of nostalgic "past of greatness" now.
Bellpeppers
So it's the world vs. Putin/Russia. And of course Japan follows behind the US closely. Good boy. There's no hard evidence and direct connection between Putin/Russia and the shooting down of the plane yet the whole world is jumping on them (because it's a golden chance that's hard to come by.) This is blatant bullying behavior (and it's not exactly something to be proud of). I'm not on Putin's side but I respect him for having the balls to standing up to this bunch of bullies who use the situation to their full advantage. I'm also kind of happy for the US really because now the European community is fiery against Russia too so the US doesn't have to do too much work. Maybe it was Ukraine (US' lackey) that did it after all.
sfjp330
Sanctions are a form of war. You effectively damage a country’s economy and their ability to function normally. They sometimes work against weak countries which have no means of fighting back. Any time Russia depend is so heavily on EU, they will have problems. So we have a choice: accept and do nothing about Putin’s empire building or call him out and take action to stop him. In either case, we will pay some kind of price. Containing never comes free. Russia is economically relatively weak today with $2.8 trillion economy, so the price of confrontation now will be manageable. Combined EU and U.S. alone has $30 trillion economy and if you include Japan's $5.5 trillion economy, you are dealing with economic leverage against Russia.
tinawatanabe
No Japanese are buying into Russian theories. As I said we have to be careful. We have made a mistake in Iraq. And you are making a mistake on the comfort women now. Japanese are being hurt by US criticism daily. We know the pain so we have to be careful.
turbotsat
The time for the developed countries to inflict major sanctions on Russia was back just after the Sochi Olympics, when Russia invaded Crimea, violating the Budapest Memorandum. The limited sanctions that were inflicted just encouraged them to invade East Ukraine. Russia continues to step up the action, even firing over the border, so it appears the developed countries haven't found the key yet.
http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-explainer-budapest-memorandum/25280502.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budapest_Memorandum
The Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances is a political agreement signed in Budapest, Hungary on 5 December 1994, providing security assurances by its signatories relating to Ukraine's accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The Memorandum was originally signed by three nuclear powers, the Russian Federation, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom. China and France gave somewhat weaker individual assurances in separate documents.[1] ... According to the memorandum, Russia, the U.S., and the UK confirmed, in recognition of Ukraine becoming party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and in effect abandoning its nuclear arsenal to Russia, that they would:
(list) Respect Ukrainian independence and sovereignty within its existing borders. Refrain from the threat or use of force against Ukraine. Refrain from using economic pressure on Ukraine in order to influence its politics. Seek United Nations Security Council action if nuclear weapons are used against Ukraine. Refrain from the use of nuclear arms against Ukraine. Consult with one another if questions arise regarding these commitments.[10]
M3M3M3
The problem with those who deny seperatist and/or Russia involvement in MH17 is that when you look at a venn diagram of people who believe that, and also think Putin is generally an outstanding guy, they overlap almost completely.
I would really like to hear from someone objective who on the one hand believes that the Russian theories about MH17 are plausible but at the same time also believes that Putin is basically a maniacal dictator. I have yet to hear from anyone like that. It seems the only people who buy into Russian theories are either people who coincidentally already love Putin or hate America.
toshiko
2 US Secretary of State John Kerry thanked Japan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Fumio Kishida for the sanctions Japan has put in place against Russia, Japan's Foreign Affairs Ministry said.
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Japan has been preparing to release list of sanctions very soon. A lot more sanctions than last one.
@JoeBiggs: The Kremlin and Putin are doing everything they can to place the blame for the downing of MH-17 on the CIA, NAS, US, EU, Easter Bunny, Zombies, MH-17 itself and just about anyone else they can think of. And their Internet Army is the tool they are using to fight the truth with junk.
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Pretty soon, Japan will be added to this list?
globalwatcher
Love, love, love to Russians on JT is just beyond me. Keep up with that, and leave US alone.
When next earthquake comes, hope Russian will come (not invade) and help you guys just like they have done to invade the Northern Island of Hokkaido. When China invade Japan, please leave US alone. Good luck to all Russian lovers in Japan. Your dreams come true. Banzai, Japan, long live, Japan.
tinawatanabe
Japanese don't like to criticize others without hard evidence. Japanese have been criticized for fake comfort women story. There're no evidence of 200,000 women coerced. Just number, no names, no addresses, no children, no complaint from parents. You wouldn't listen to Japan's explanation. So, Japan should be very careful in this airplane accident.
JoeBigs
Japan steps up sanctions against Russia
Japan is doing the right thing especially when any nation causes such hardship on so many people. Putin is wrong and is to blame for all those deaths. His ambitions are imperialistic and dangerous for all of Europe. He needs to accept responsibility for what he did and rectify it.
Now, it's interesting all the new faces popping in and then never to be heard from again. Always seems to happen when things go badly for certain nations. Now, you guys might be saying, "Hm, new faces how nice." well, there is a reason and it's pretty typical.
So many new faces and they are all promoting pro-Russia, Pro-Putin, anti-West, anti-proof, pro-conspiracy bunk on the net. Anytime proof is presented they counter the proof with insane conspiracy theories and have nothing to back-up what they say. Almost like they are reading and typing from the same script.
Okay, without any further ado let me start, we all know that Communist China has it's 50-cent Army, but did you know that Russia has been taking note and now has it's own version?
Well, our dear friends have a few names, but their Army is a bit cheaper because it's the 30-Ruble Army. Okay, so let's all give a big Japan Today welcome to these guys!
If you want to keep informed all you need to do is look up Russia's Internet Research Agency it's the Russian Propaganda agency/Department behind these guys.
Buzzfeed broke this story a bit ago and now others are starting to take notice. It's a long read but a darned good one and it has lots of proof to back up what they are saying. A whole lot more proof than what these guys are pushing.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/maxseddon/documents-show-how-russias-troll-army-hit-america
This Youtube vid is a pretty good follow-up on the story.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CussBbmJHzI
These other reports are just talking about the same issue of the Russia propaganda army. Some of the reports were from last year when folks started to notice these guys running about on different sites.
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/asia/article3891720.ece
http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/10/russias-online-comment-propaganda-army/280432/
http://www.dailydot.com/politics/russia-internet-trolls/
The Kremlin and Putin are doing everything they can to place the blame for the downing of MH-17 on the CIA, NAS, US, EU, Easter Bunny, Zombies, MH-17 itself and just about anyone else they can think of. And their Internet Army is the tool they are using to fight the truth with junk.
This is just more proof that Russia and Putin the one to blame for the downing of MH-17. He might not pulled the trigger, but he supplied the weapon that did.
Putin is at fault for what happened to those poor people.
OssanAmerica
Just like all of Europe which is FAR FAR more dependent on Russia than Japan. LOL
smithinjapan
Sidekick: not agreeing with the government and or media on certain issues is not "Japan bashing", my friend, thoughi'm not surprised when you guys throw that out if someone disagrees with you. On the contrary, YOU claim I'm bias but suggest I'm south Korean because I don't agree with Japan's wishy-washy stance on sanctions?? Andbythe way, Sidekick, if you're suggesting anyone who disagrees with certain Japanese politicians and wingers on the comfort women issue are therefore South Korean you're saying pretty much everyone in the world outside Japan Who knows about the issue (and even many within) are South Korean.
And yeah, no porof at all Sidekick. Nah, Strelkov (Russian for "gunman". His actual name is Girkin) never bragged about downing a plane! I mean, you simply MUST believe his excuse that the Ukranian government leafy killed many passengers and put them on the plane (he fails to explain how this was done in Amsterdam!). But, darn! Someon got screen shots of his bragging before he could delete the posts! Oops! Nah, they never absconded with the bodies or black boxes, and certainy haven't kept anyone from investigating the crash site! Oh, except wait... They HAVE done that! Khodakovsky, separatist leader, certainly didn't flip-flop and admit they have had a Buk in their system, except wait... he did!! Until he revoked his confession later and suggested it 'may have been a rival separatist group'. But nah, no proof at all, be it from a "semi-educated black Kanin the US" (your words), or "hysterical media" (with screen shots). Better to believe Putin and the constant flip-flopping of maniacs like Streklov.
Tina: They ARE trying to look good to both parties, Tina. That is why they cannot make solid decisions one way or the other, let alone implement them. It's not about loyalty, either--it's about doing what is right. This isn't a land dispute, it's about the murder of 280+ people, and standing behind those who seek to find the guilty parties and hold them responsible shouldn't take a backseat to pottery politics between neighbors. Of COURSE if China/SK , not mentioned once in the article, by the way (but in every one of your posts!), want those responsible to face justice that will agree with other nations--but you make it sound like the US is 'siding with' them when they merely share the same standpoint. In general, which seems to be where you cannot differentiate, the US has and will always side with Japan against China, and at times against SK as well. Definitely against NK and Russia.
duncanpa
Wow, I was wondering whether there would be another mention of the Ukrainian conflict on JapanToday pages, that would make those Putin's operatives spring again into action onto those pages, reflection of the big on a small scale. They have added Japanese usernames to the offering, but will that prevent the sliding of their offering into stale, irrespectively?? Let us see and wait.
Sidekick
Nope
Come on ! You are always bash Japan and support "comfort women" issue.
You and Tina DO realize that a civilian jet-liner with more than 280 people on board was shot down, with signs pointing towards the separatists backed by Russia, don't you?
No signs but rumours and hysterical claims without valid evidences. FYI, the jet was in UKRANIAN airspace. According to international rules, Ukranian air controllers carried FULL responsibility for all aspects of the flight, including safety of passengers. Where are records of conversations between air controlers and pilots of MH17? Where are records of conversations of Ukranian operators of Air Defence units ? Where is a launch pad of a missile? What kind of missile was used? Have they found parts of the missile ? You prefer to believe in stupid reports of mainstream media or that semi-educated black guy from White House. If you have no idea, please, watch a popular series Äir Crash Investigations. It would be useful to understand how real investigators MUST work and make conclusions.
tinawatanabe
I don't think Japan is trying to look good to both parties. But aren't you acting like testing Japan's loyality? When Obama criticized Japan in favor of China/SK, nobody paid attention like that except Japanese...
But I'll think about your point.
smithinjapan
Tina: "then why complain"
Because they aren't standing against them, either. Ie. they are trying to look good to both parties while effectively accomplishing nothing but looking like fools. Once again, and what you cannot seem to grasp, Abe and Co. Are trying to play both fields, and stand to lose in both.
"why is it significant?"
It is VERY significant! You don't say you're going to impose sanctions on a nation the invite their leader over for a visit. No, Japan canNOT decide or they would be forced to face the consequences. By letting everyone else decide FOR them while they try to play the fields they can blame it on everyone else, as you do.
tinawatanabe
So, you knew, then why complain?
Why is it significant? I think you guys have too much obsession with Russia. I don't think Japan cannot decide, I think Japan is just evaluating the development. A right thing to do.
smithinjapan
tinawatanabe: "US is far important, no question about that."
Ummm... you certainly seem to question it in all of your other posts.
"Just that the biggest threat Japan has now is China/SK, so Japan needs as many friends as possible including Russia."
So again, you would side with Russia KNOWING they might be in part behind the downing of yet another passenger airline simply so that they have a buddy against SK/China on other issues? Tell this to the parents of the deceased, please.
And by the way, Japan isn't exactly buddying up to Russia; they are trying to go by Western sanctions at the same time as watering them down to try and curry favor with Russia. Why do you think Japan cannot decide one way or the other to keep the invitation to come to Japan open to Putin?
tinawatanabe
I'm not comparing US and Russia. US is far important, no question about that. Just that the biggest threat Japan has now is China/SK, so Japan needs as many friends as possible including Russia.
Igor Gusev
And why, when 100 civillians die in middle east, UN straight away rushes to call for peace? But when a thousand people die in Ukraine, its none of our business? Did any of you notice that when a Russian death is involved, the US doesnt give a crap and only supports the action?
smithinjapan
Sidekick: "What side am I on?' I'm against Russia and the separatists on this, 100%, and that goes back to them invading Crimea."
"Let me guess : South Korean ?"
Nope, but that certainly does prove you can't argue without extreme bias -- and throwing in unrelated issues as well. But again, is someone South Korean if they are against the invasion of a sovereign nation by another and suggest other nations impose sanctions and not just pay lip-service? You and Tina DO realize that a civilian jet-liner with more than 280 people on board was shot down, with signs pointing towards the separatists backed by Russia, don't you? It's amazing that people like yourself will take that fact and suggest that people who are appalled by these actions and want those brought to justice are 'Japan bashers' or 'South Korean', or that Japan should side with Russia because everyone else is against Russia while Japan beats around the bush as to what it will do and STILL might invite Putin over to rub shoulders with! Amazing that you would rather accuse people of being this or that who want justice for what happened instead of seeking that justice yourself.
Hope nothing bad happens to Japan in the future because I don't know how much support you'd get given you would rather play politics grounded on unrelated issues than impose sanctions on those most likely responsible for downing a civilian plane.
Igor Gusev
Why dont any of you look at the timing of this jet going down? Obama was pressuring EU to put sanctions on Russia, but EU didnt want to. Then Obama says that he is ready to impose sanctions without EU. Then the US imposes sanctions on Russia, and a few days later "magically" a plane gets shot down. Straight away the US blames the rebels and Russia, winking at EU. Its too obvious that this was staged to puh EU for sanctions against Russia.And why does everyone call them pro-russian rebels?? These people have been living there for hundreds of years, mainly speaking Russian language an livin by Russian traditions. Dont you think its only natural to stand up and take arms to defend yourself when everything you lived by/for being taken away from you?
Nanraayashimunitarinai
sighclopsJul. 29, 2014 - 08:22AM JST Well, Putin wants USSR 2.0 - so what other option does the international community have?
"International community"? ))))))) What's this? ))))
smithinjapan
tinawatanabe: "China thing is not unrelated. This is an international affair. If US is supporting China/SK so much, isn't it only natural for Japan to want to have a good relation with Russia?"
Sorry, but what you are talking about is completely unrelated. YES, it is unnatural for Japan to have good relations with Russia while also saying they are following sanctions imposed by the West. What's more it's unnatural to side with Russia when it's pretty clear they are providing arms to the separatists and have invaded a sovereign nation. And bringing in relations between the US and China/SK is indeed unrelated when we are talking about Japan putting sanctions on Russia (you are clearly bringing in relations between Japan and its neighbours in general, and nothing at all to do with the current situation).
"You are a staunch Japan basher,"
How did I know that would be your response -- it is the reply of those who have no legitimate argument. I'm not bashing Japan at all, save that I have said I wish Abe and Co. would stop trying to play both fields ON THE SANCTION ISSUE and grow a pair of stones and decide one way or the other, then accept the consequences of doing so.
"...so you may not realize US is leaning toward China/SK."
I realize they are, against RUSSIA and a group that is arguably terrorist. So you're saying Japan should support potential terrorists as a tit-for-tat measure against the US because they are leaning towards China/SK on rooting out such terrorists (based on your hatred of China and SK on other issues)? Wow... So if Russia nuked Ukraine you'd support them if the US and the rest of the world sided against Russian actions just because SK and China might agree with the US? Talk about a moral compass that's out of whack!
Sidekick
What side am I on?' I'm against Russia and the separatists on this, 100%, and that goes back to them invading Crimea.
Let me guess : South Korean ?
tinawatanabe
China thing is not unrelated. This is an international affair. If US is supporting China/SK so much, isn't it only natural for Japan to want to have a good relation with Russia?
You are a staunch Japan basher, so you may not realize US is leaning toward China/SK.
smithinjapan
tinawatanabe: "Isn't US playing both fields?"
No, not at all. They are neck and neck with the EU in terms of sanctions against Russia and want other countries to impose stronger sanctions as well. How on earth is the US playing both Russia and the US?? They are catering to Russia at all, unlike what Abe is trying to do at the same time as imposing minimal sanctions.
"Lately, US is criticizing Japan using the same rhetoric as China and SK use."
Because Japan is clearly trying to play both sides. So, again, your example is bogus because if they are criticizing Japan as you say they are clearly not 'playing both sides' even if you throw in unrelated China and South Korea and other baggage.
"Which side are you? I don't think US has peace treay with China."
Again, what the heck does this have to do with China, Tina? Seems you can't defend your argument and so you're dragging in unrelated issues. 'What side am I on?' I'm against Russia and the separatists on this, 100%, and that goes back to them invading Crimea. You seem to think this is US vs. Japan or something. Just admit you've got nothing to do on, Tina, and that Japan cannot possibly continue to try and play both fields (that being trying to please the West and Russia at the same time. THAT is trying to play both fields!).
tinawatanabe
Isn't US playing both fields? Lately, US is criticizing Japan using the same rhetoric as China and SK use. Which side are you? I don't think US has peace treay with China.
Jay Wilson
That should be kept in mind when he says Russia had nothing to do with downing that jet
smithinjapan
Asakaze: "Russia is the last-inetersted party in shooting the Malaysian jet."
You mention both the Ukraine and US accidentally shooting down passenger planes in the past, but conveniently forget to mention Russia doing exactly the same on at least two occasions (Korean Air 092 and 007), didn't you? And yet you ask us to believe the Russian 'proof' that the proof provided by satellite imagery, audio recordings, and the fact that the separatist leader BRAGGED on Twitter about shooting down a Ukrainian military ship and quickly deleting the posts when it was realized a passenger plane was shot down?
tinawatanabe: "smithinjapan and globalwatcher, what does this mean?"
It was a direct response to Sidekick suggesting the US are terrorists because they are 'forcing' Japan to impose sanctions and Japan has no choice or will but to follow. Ask him.
"and what does it have anything to do with Japan's "limited" sanctions?"
Again, Abe and Co. are trying to play both fields, and can't even decide on their own whether to keep the invitation open to Putin to come to Japan or not -- they are waiting for Russia to decide for them, I believe, so they can say they had no choice. As for the 'limited' sanctions, that plays into that directly -- they don't want to impose stronger sanctions because Abe is still trying to get Russia to the table on gas contracts and the island issue. So he decides limited sanctions and a few travel bans are towing the line with the West, while not actually imposing any MEANINGFUL sanctions will hopefully not offend Russia too much.
"Why are you against Japan deciding its own sanctions."
Not against it at all, but the fact remains they simply cannot decide on their own. I'm just surprised the government hasn't asked to be exempt yet, like they did when sanctions were being imposed on Iran with the threat of bank freezing in the US for nations who did not.
tinawatanabe
smithinjapan and globalwatcher, what does this mean? and what does it have anything to do with Japan's "limited" sanctions? Why are you against Japan deciding its own sanctions.
Nanraayashimunitarinai
toshikoJul. 29, 2014 - 12:27PM JST Who worry about Russian oil? Mexico, Trinidad, and Tobago are already eager to sell their oil to Japan. Who cares oil from snowy Russia? Abe went to nice weather countries to get oil.
Thank you!! ))))))) Best laugh of the day!!!! )))))))
Moderator
All readers back on topic please. The subject is Japan's sanctions against Russia.
Asakaze
Oops, some stubborn Russian haters here!!
I remember the Cold war. Soviet Union did ugly things diring the Cold War, US also did a lot of crimes during that period, so what? Blame Rusiia for everything? You're right - "ignorance is a bliss". Keep listening J.Psaki, I really love her! She makes such wonderfully stupid comments during press conferences.
proxy
The Ukraine government has killed far too many innocent civilians for them to ever be able to govern in the areas that want to secede. Beside watching people burn alive in Odessa the Ukraine has been committing a war crime by firing Grad rockets into civilian areas. The more civilians the Ukraine kills the greater the obligation there is on the EU and Russia to either protect the population under attack or arm them to defend themselves. How can Japan stand back and watch the Ukraine government squash civilians who should have a right to determine their own fate?
The clear answer is for the Ukraine government to stop their offensive, step back and allow international observers to run a referendum to let people decide their own sovereignty without interference from either Russia or the US which has no business being involved in the first place.
genjuro
Yes, because if you don't follow and believe the mainstream news media and their lies, then you must be a Russian lover. That's what I call pure logic.
Yes, because the world today is the same as it was back in the days of the Cold War. Communist Russia is the villain, and the U.S. is the savior of the world which can do no harm such as starting wars, installing puppet governments, sponsoring terrorism and masterminding regime changes. Oh no, the U.S. can never do those things. Never.
Truly, ignorance is bliss.
Sidekick
Russia is sweating. They cannot come up with any evidence to convince the world otherwise.
Not "the World" but rather Americans and their loyal puppets. By the way, a person who comments ÜS satellite images" is not Russian. He is from English-speaking country.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMhyGVIIgJs
globalwatcher
SidekickJul. 29, 2014 - 01:37PM JST
I do not think so. Russia is sweating. They cannot come up with any evidence to convince the world otherwise.
Why? Why are they blocking inspectors? We are not showing all cards to Russians what we already know. You wait and see.
Sidekick
So, Japan hasn't "obeyed" two of three examples.
Thank God, Japan is slowly awaking and cutting ties to "Master".
You are trying to sell Russian propaganda but failed, not convincing at all.
Quite contrary, you're trying to impose American propaganda, rather cheap and primitive by its origin. I have written my opinion, nothing more.
US has a clear voice tape as a proof that Ukrainian rebels were joyous when they shut down the airliner.
Also debunked as a fake, made by Ukranian side to cover their arses after committing that horrible crime. If you're calling a lie as "proof", you have nothing, except a lie.
There is a clear evidence that it was the separatists who shot down the plane.
Not "clear evidences", but rumours and cheap lie both from Ukranian and American sides. It's quite understandable. The current ukranian junta are nothing short of American puppets. To save a face, Americans need to cover and protect their lousy puppets from Kiev.
Japan has only agreed to "limited"sanctions and a couple of dozen visa bans.
That's right and business ties between Russia and Japan have't cut.
globalwatcher
Amazing, there are many Russian lovers here on JT.
Maybe these people have not been really exposed to the Cold War period like us in the States. Ignorance is a bliss.
tinawatanabe
And, Russia is the only country among neighbors who hasn't criticized Japan lately.
Asakaze
globalwatcher, smithinjapan etc. There is no real proof that Donetsk rebels, let alone Russia, shoot down the plane. Russia didn not provide rebels with the "Buk" SAM missile, and rebels just do not have trained air defence personnel to operate any sophisticated AD systems. Rebels are rather motley militia, to shoot down a plane at ten thousand meters is too difficult task for them. "Voice recording" is a confirmed fake, it was made from three different parts, many technical parameters just don't add. A week ago Russian ministry of defence held a press-conference, when it demonstrated substantial proof (very detailed satellite photos) of Ukrainian air-defence units activity, including "Buk" missile batteries at the area of shooting. It is most possible that Ukrainians shoot down the plane by mistake, as they already did in 2001 (shooting down a Russian passenger jet liner over the Black Sea), or as Americans did in 1988, when the USS Vincennes shoot down an Iranian jet liner. Russia is the last-inetersted party in shooting the Malaysian jet. US simply using the incident to squeeze Russia out of the European gas market and to force Europeans to buy US shale gas. It can not achieve this aim with conventional methods, that's why this media hysteria now. "Nothing personal, just business". For readers in Japanese: http://jp.rbth.com/mareshiaki_tsuiraku Jay Wilson, what stuff are you smoking?? Putin does not drink vodka, he is judoka and in very fine physical condition.
oldman_13
Good for Abe and Japan.
Asakaze
globalwatcher, smithinjapan etc. There is no real proof that Donetsk rebels, let alone Russia, shoot down the plane. Russia didn not provide rebels with the "Buk" SAM missile, and rebels just do not have trained air defence personnel to operate any sophisticated AD systems. Rebels are rather motley militia, to shoot down a plane at ten thousand meters is too difficult task for them. "Voice recording" is a confirmed fake, it was made from three different parts, many technical parameters just don't add. A week ago Russian ministry of defence held a press-conference, when it demonstrated substantial proof (very detailed satellite photos) of Ukrainian air-defence units activity, including "Buk" missile batteries at the area of shooting. It is most possible that Ukrainians shoot down the plane by mistake, as they already did in 2001 (shooting down a Russian passenger jet liner over the Black Sea), or as Americans did in 1988, when the USS Vincennes shoot down an Iranian jet liner. Russia is the last-inetersted party in shooting the Malaysian jet. US simply using the incident to squeeze Russia out of the European gas market and to force Europeans to buy US shale gas. It can not achieve this aim with conventional methods, that's why this media hysteria now. "Nothing personal, just business". For readers in Japanese: http://jp.rbth.com/mareshiaki_tsuiraku Jay Wilson, Putin does not drink vodka, he is judoka and in very fine physical condition.
globalwatcher
smithinjapanJul. 29, 2014 - 11:42AM JST
I could not have done better, smith. Well said. Japan's inability.....
dcog9065
Good on Abe, it was probably very difficult for him to expand sanctions on Russia seeing as he made it a point of his administration for greater ties with Russia. Although these sanctions are basically completely symbolic, it still serves to isolate the morons in the Kremlin.
toshiko
@JoeBigs: Nothing much since Japan only gets 7% natural gas from Russia and as for crude oil Japan gets around 4%, it's main supplies come from the Middle East (83%)
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Thanks to your detailed % info.
Who worry about Russian oil? Mexico, Trinidad, and Tobago are already eager to sell their oil to Japan. Who cares oil from snowy Russia? Abe went to nice weather countries to get oil. There is no snow and freezing obstacle in these countries for sending their oil to Japan.
JoeBigs
Nothing much since Japan only gets 7% natural gas from Russia and as for crude oil Japan gets around 4%, it's main supplies come from the Middle East (83%).
If Russia would to impose an embargo the Japanese could offset the loss by going to a number of sources.
Yeah, if you take the word of someone who believes that the plane was diverted and crashed intentionally to start WWIII.
Come on, if you listen to conspiracy nut-jobs people won't take you seriously, so please try harder and stop with the bunk dashboard conspiracy junk.
smithinjapan
Sidekick: "The real terrorists are in the U.S. leadership. Exactly. To stay a puppet of the USA and obey directions from Washington D.C. "Hey, do not visit Yasukuni Shrine ! Hey, apologize to "comfort women! Hey, impose more sanctions to Russia!"
And here you are again bringing in your baggage and bias against the US as some bizarre way of ... defending Japan while you state they are a US lapdog and somehow the US are terrorists??
There is clear evidence that it was the separatists that shot down the plane, and Russia supplying them with arms and firing rockets into the Ukraine FROM Russian land, and yet you call the US 'terrorists'. Are they 'sanction terrorists'?
What you and genjuro and tina should be doing is looking inwards and not blaming the US for Japan's inability to do anything on its own, but blame yourselves for allowing it if that is the case. Japan has only agreed to "limited" sanctions and a couple of dozen visa bans because Abe is STILL trying to woo Putin in order to keep oil/gas contracts and the island issue alive, while at the same time trying to kow-tow to EU and US pressure. Japan canNOT afford to try and play both sides on this issue, and needs to get tougher on sanctions, or else back off on sanctions and show that they support Russia and the separatists, which would be a very bad move.
tmarie
which means, "Japan, Don't act like a sovereign nation. Just do as USA says
It must be hard to have so much pride in a country that really is nothing but a mere lap dog of the US and usually does is as told. Sit Choco, sit! Good dog!
globalwatcher
genjuroJul. 29, 2014 - 09:25AM JST
SidekickJul. 29, 2014 - 11:03AM JST
You are trying to sell Russian propaganda, but failed, not convincing at all. .
US has a clear voice tape as a proof that Ukraine rebel was joyous when they shut down the airliner, later the voice tape was retrieved for some unknown reason. Why did they need to hide? US State Department has more cases against Russians.
paulinusa
"Exactly. To stay a puppet of the USA and obey directions from Washington D.C. "Hey, do not visit Yasukuni Shrine ! Hey, apologize to "comfort women! Hey, impose more sanctions to Russia!"
So Japan hasn't "obeyed" two of your three examples.
Sidekick
http://abcnews.go.com/International/us-releases-images-purportedly-show-russia-fired-artillery/story?id=24732228
Here is an US Satellite image released yesterday while Putin still denies and lies. We need to get tough against these terrorists.
It has been debunked already and not only by the Russian Ministry of Defence. Enjoy :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMhyGVIIgJs
The real terrorists are in the U.S. leadership.
which means, "Japan, Don't act like a sovereign nation. Just do as USA says"
Exactly. To stay a puppet of the USA and obey directions from Washington D.C. "Hey, do not visit Yasukuni Shrine ! Hey, apologize to "comfort women! Hey, impose more sanctions to Russia!
toshiko
@sfjp330JUL. 29, 2014 - 07:32AM JST As a retaliation, what happens if Russia decides to stop the flow of natural gas and oil to Japan? Russia can always sell to China.
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Abe has been making deals with oil rich countries very successfully. Recently Mexico, Trinidad, Tobago (spell?). He must have prepared for breaking ties with Russia.
paulinusa
"which means, "Japan, Don't act like a sovereign nation. Just do as USA says"
tina: You're using a cliché repeated on this site constantly. Japan government considers all decisions in their best interests which most of all includes business (Japan Inc. doe business worldwide, not just with the US) and yes, defense. Every country, uses this criteria when making important political calculations.
genjuro
This is the problem when people still watch and believe the mainstream news networks, as in that ABC website you've linked. In this age of the Internet, people should know by now these outlets are controlled by those who own them for their own agenda. There are many alternative news sites there. All you need to do is use a search engine.
That satellite imagery Washington released was so obviously faked it isn't even funny. Why wouldn't they want to release the real satellite images? The answer lies if you consider the whole geopolitical picture.The imperialist U.S. along with the West has long been trying to contain Russia in whatever way they can. The information war and propaganda they've waging should have been apparent when, within minutes of the MH17 crash, the U.S. government and Western media immediately blamed Russia for it even before any investigators had arrived on the scene. Unless they want to be fed lies, people need to stop getting their news from the major outlets just because it's convenient and more readily available.
http://scgnews.com/flight-mh17-what-youre-not-being-told
Kazuaki Shimazaki
Actually he could. The West is just getting a hysterical and hypocritical attitude to the whole Russian-Ukrainian business.
He just preferred to suck up to the West over geopolitical realities.
tmarie
Abe thought he could be the one developed country that could get along with Russia while most of us sat here and laughed at him while he burned bridges. About time he learned.
globalwatcher
He has a silver tongue. He will tell every lie Japan wants to hear.
Jay Wilson
Japan imposing more sanctions on Moscow will not affect the territorial dispute with Russia as that vodka-drinking idiot Putin had no intentions of returning ANY of the islands to japan
tinawatanabe
which means, "Japan, Don't act like a sovereign nation. Just do as USA says"
sighclops
Well, Putin wants USSR 2.0 - so what other option does the international community have?
globalwatcher
http://abcnews.go.com/International/us-releases-images-purportedly-show-russia-fired-artillery/story?id=24732228
Here is an US Satellite image released yesterday while Putin still denies and lies. We need to get tough against these terrorists.
M3M3M3
As far as I know, Japan isn't actually dependant on Russia or any other specific country for it's LNG. Japan deliberately buys from many suppliers. Secondly, once you sell LNG on the international market, you can't really control who ends up buying it. If Russia stops supplies to Japan or the west and starts supplying more to China instead, China's other suppliers will simply have more to sell to Japan. That's how global markets work.
Also, Russia's economy is almost totally dependant on gas and oil, so I think it would be a bit like cutting off their nose to spite their face.
EthanWilber
Way to go!
In related news, today EU has finally set aside its month-long hesitance and is putting together a sanction package that targets Russia’s financial, energy and defense sectors. Interestingly enough, EU’s measures are stricker than American ones. (The US will match EU’s version soon) The agreement came after Obama had a five-way video conference with his counterparts from Britain, France, Germany and Italy. It's expected that tomorrow will be the day for the sanction announcement.
It's a good start point for Japan to drop its self-perpetuating dilution on Putin, joining the US led coalition to put real economic sanctions against Russia aggression.
globalwatcher
Russia is directly involved in this conflict. US spy satellite has just confirmed yesterday that all these missiles are actually shut by Russian military base in Russia. And Putin is still moving tons of weapons to the border. His aggression is very bold while EU remains spineless. .
Do not under estimate this man, he was a former KGB chief. He is using every single KGB tool to take over Ukraine back to Russia.. Unless EU stands up firm against Putin, I assure you that he will try to push EU as much as he can like a wild crazy cat.
sfjp330
As a retaliation, what happens if Russia decides to stop the flow of natural gas and oil to Japan? Russia can always sell to China.
Elbuda Mexicano
No, you are all WRONG! Mr.Abe is no idiot, he not not going at this alone, the USA, the EU, Japan etc...are getting together to make sure Russia PAYS for its stupidity of attacking the Ukraine!! Good for Mr.Abe and JAPAN to stand up to these idiot, greedy fools in Moscow!!
some14some
perhaps it will be decided by Russia and cancelled.
bass4funk
Yeah, Abe, that'll work.
M3M3M3
Abe's big plans for a rapprochement with Russia seem to be going up in smoke. Abe is learning the hard way that when you're a member of the international community, you can't simply pursue your own self interest as if in a vacuum. Watched for the eased North Korea sanctions to be reimposed next.