Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Statement by US Secretary of State Colin Powell concerning Middle East Policy

November 20, 2001

Believing that the involvement of the US for the advancement of the Middle East peace process is crucial and indispensable, Japan welcomes the resolution of the US to enhance its engagement in the peace process as expressed in the statement delivered by Secretary of State Colin Powell on November 19.
Japan strongly urges both parties, responding to the calls contained in that statement, to take actions to end the violence, to rebuild confidence and resume the negotiation in accordance with the Tenet understandings and the Mitchell Report.
Japan continues to encourage peace efforts by both parties in close coordination with the US.

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