Statement by the Japanese Foreign Minister Koumura on the Agreement between Israel and the Palestinians regarding Implementation of Wye Memorandum and Resumption of Final Status Negotiations

September 5, 1999

Japan welcomes that Israel and the Palestinians came to an agreement regarding implementation of Wye Memorandum and resumption of final status negotiations. The agreement was achieved through persistent efforts that Israel and the Palestinians had made in the negotiations since the inauguration of Barak administration in July. Japan highly regards both parties' serious engagement in driving the peace process forward.
Japan strongly hopes that the agreement will be implemented in accordance with the expected time framework and that just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East will be realized in the nearest future through final status negotiations. Japan will continue to actively support the peace process through such means as the AHLC meeting to be held in Tokyo, political dialogues with the relevant parties, and initiatives in the multilateral tracks.

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