Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Clashes between the Israelis and the Palestinians

August 2, 2001

Japan is strongly concerned that the situation in the occupied territories has been recently deteriorating and is showing further escalation.
In relation to the attack by the Israeli Defense Force in Nablus on July 31, 2001, Japan is concerned about the policy of so-called "targeted attacks" of the Israeli government. It would increase hostility among the parties, further the endless cycle of violence and retaliation, and contribute to further complicating of the situation.
Japan again urges all the parties concerned to exert the maximum self-restraint at this critical stage, so that the recommendations of the Mitchell Report should be fully implemented at the earliest possible.

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