Japan's Policy to Lift Sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

December 22, 2000

On December 22, the Government of Japan, considering the recent change in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia toward democratization, officially decided to lift its sanctions on Yugoslavia, which have been implemented since 1998, namely 'the ban on new investment in the Republic of Serbia' and 'the freezing of the funds of the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Government of the Republic of Serbia in Japan'.
The Kostunica administration has been smoothly rejoining the international community and strengthening the foundation of the new government that came to power in October. The lifting of sanctions against Yugoslavia will give further momentum to the policies of the administration. The U.S. and many European countries share their policies to lift sanctions against Yugoslavia.
On the other hand, in respect of the former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic and persons associated with him, the U.S. and many European countries have adopted a policy to continue to freeze their overseas funds and to refuse to issue visas for them. In view of international policy coordination, the Government of Japan also intends to take measures to ensure the freezing of the funds of these persons in Japan. The Government of Japan has already implemented the restrictions of the issuance of visas for these persons.

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