Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Situation over the Remarks of Pope Benedict XVI on Islam

September 20, 2006

Japan expresses its concern about the continued difficult situation in some countries over the address of Pope Benedict XVI.
While Japan fully understands the sensibility of the Muslims in this regard, violence is not acceptable for any reason and we urge self-restraint and calm in dealing with this matter.
Japan understands that the Pope expressed his sincere regrets. Japan believes that it is of fundamental importance to cultivate respect and understanding for followers of other religions.
Japan attaches much importance to the promotion of mutual understandings through peaceful dialogue and mutual respect among peoples of different creeds and cultural traditions. It has made and will continue to make its best efforts to pursue this goal through various dialogues, such as Japan-Arab Dialogue Forum, Japan-Middle East Cultural Exchanges and Dialogue Mission, Dialogue among civilizations between Japan and the Islamic World, and World Civilization Forum.

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