KUALA LUMPUR – Singapore, home of the world’s second busiest port, has imposed sanctions on Russia over the latter’s threat against Ukraine’s sovereignty, saying Moscow is setting a “dangerous precedent”.
The rare sanctions include export controls on “items that can be directly used as weapons to inflict harm on or to subjugate the Ukrainians, as well as items that can contribute to offensive cyber operations”.
Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement that the ban includes the transfer to Russia of all items on the Military Goods List and all items in the electronics, computers, and telecommunications and information security categories of the Dual-Use Goods List.
“We will impose financial measures targeted at designated Russian banks, entities and activities in Russia, and fund-raising activities benefiting the Russian government.
“Digital payment token service providers are specifically prohibited from facilitating transactions that could help to circumvent these financial measures.
“These measures apply to all financial institutions in Singapore, including banks, finance companies, insurers, capital markets intermediaries, securities exchanges and payment service providers,” it added.
The ministry said the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of all countries, big and small, must be respected.
“For a small state like Singapore, this is not a theoretical principle, but a dangerous precedent. This is why Singapore has strongly condemned Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine.
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine contravenes the United Nations Charter and is a clear and gross violation of international law. While we continue to value good relations with Russia and the Russian people, we cannot accept the Russian government’s violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of another sovereign state.”
It added that the sanctions are aimed to constrain Russia’s capacity to conduct war against Ukraine and undermine its sovereignty.
On Thursday, Asean foreign ministers called for an immediate ceasefire or armistice and the continuation of political dialogues that would lead to sustainable peace in Ukraine.
They said they were deeply troubled by the intensifying gravity of the situation and the worsening humanitarian conditions resulting from the ongoing military hostilities in Ukraine.
In a measured tone, they added that there is still room for peaceful dialogue and they are ready to facilitate that between Russia and Ukraine.
Earlier, Ukraine’s strategic port city of Mariupol was under a “blockade” by Russian forces after days of “ruthless” attacks, its mayor said, calling for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor.
Located on the Sea of Azov, the city of 450,000 people has been bombarded by artillery and cut off from water or electricity in the depth of winter.
Capturing Mariupol would give Moscow’s forces there a strategic advantage, connecting them to those coming from annexed Crimea – which have already taken the key ports of Berdiansk and Kherson – as well as to the troops in the Donbas region. – The Vibes, March 5, 2022
