Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan on the Situation in Syria

August 1, 2011
Japanese

The Government of Japan is deeply concerned about the continuing clashes that have been taking place between the security authorities and demonstrators in Syria since March this year.
It is regrettable that the large-scale repression against civilians by the Syrian security authorities conducted in a number of cities, including Hama, on Sunday, July 31 has resulted in a large number of casualties. The Government of Japan firmly condemns the use of excessive force by the authority against the civilians, and at the same time urges an immediate halt to such violence.
The Government of Japan also strongly urges the Government of Syria to engage promptly in dialogue with the people, to implement various reforms in the political and economic realms requested by the people without delay, and to restore the security and stability of the country.

(*This is a provisional translation. The above date denotes the date of the issue of the original press release in Japanese.)

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