Comment by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Resumption of the Middle East Peace Negotiations

December 22, 2000

The Government of Japan heartily welcomes the resumption of the Middle East peace negotiations in Washington D.C.
A negotiated peace is the only realistic option. The Government of Japan is strongly encouraged by the fact that both the Israeli side and the Palestinian side share this understanding and have resumed their serious endeavors toward resolving difficult issues.
The Government of Japan strongly hopes that through the resumed negotiations, the vicious circle of violence that has continued for almost three months will be put to an end and that substantive progress will be achieved toward the realization of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.
In the past weeks Japan repeatedly urged the parties to halt violence and resume negotiations. In addition, with a view to alleviating the damage caused by the violence, Japan has extended 4,360,000 dollars of assistance for the Palestinians since the outbreak of the clashes, and has made efforts toward the lifting of the economic blockade of the West Bank and Gaza. While closely watching the progress of the resumed negotiations, Japan will continue to proactively support the peace efforts of the parties concerned.

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