Australia puts more Russians on sanctions list

SYDNEY, May 21 (Itar-Tass) - Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced expansion of the regime of sanctions against Russian and Ukrainian natural persons and legal entities. Financial sanctions and travel bans henceforth apply to 38 Russian and Ukrainian citizens and 11 entities. Australia imposed similar sanctions against 12 Russians and Ukrainians on March 19. According to the Australian diplomat, the current sanctions show Australia's firm support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Ms Bishop urged Russia to abide by its international obligations a permanent UN Security Council member to maintain international peace and security. An Australian Foreign Ministry official said the list on which Australia imposed travel bans would not be published. The names of to whom financial sanctions apply will only be disclosed after the adoption of amendments to 2011 legislation. The Australian official said measure had been taken in order to avoid the risk of expatriation of funds from Australia. Learn more on itar-tass.com