Statement by Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the efforts by the United States and others regarding the Middle East

April 11, 2002

I, together with all the people of Japan, am deeply saddened to witness that many people are losing their lives and being injured each day, and that distrust and hatred have prevailed among the Israelis and the Palestinians as a result of the intensification of vicious cycle of violence between both parties. This vicious cycle of violence must be ended as soon as possible.
Japan welcomes the mission by Secretary Colin Powell, who visits the region today to urge both parties to implement the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1402, as an important step to bring hope for peace. Japan urges both sides to respond constructively to the efforts by Secretary Powell and make decisions to bring about a ceasefire and to resume the peace process.
Japan intends to make its utmost efforts along with the international community to resume the peace negotiations at the earliest possible date, and to achieve a peaceful co-existence of the two states, Israel and Palestine, through the peace negotiations. Japan is ready to provide necessary support and assistance for the people in the region who share the same goal.

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