Statement by Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the recent situation in East Jerusalem

October 31, 2009
Japanese

The Government of Japan is deeply concerned about the fact that a number of houses of the Palestinian citizens have been destroyed in East Jerusalem these days, which have caused the evictions of the Palestinian families as it might put negative impact on the environment for the resumption of the peace talks. It calls upon the Government of Israel to refrain from such measures.
The Government of Japan appreciates the recent announcement by President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority holding the elections of the president of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) in January 2010, as one of President Abbas's efforts to unify the Palestinians through democratic measures.
Japan is determined to make its utmost efforts for supporting the ongoing endeavors of the international community including the United States to resurrect the peace talks, and expects the Israeli and Palestinian parties and Arab states to make more efforts towards realization of Middle East peace.

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