Statement by the Foreign Minister on the Achievement of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement in the Former Yugoslavia

22 November 1995

1. The Government of Japan heartily welcomes the achievement of a comprehensive peace agreement to the conflict in the former Yugoslavia through the mediation of the United States and other countries on November 21 (November 22 in Japan) in Dayton, Ohio.
   
   
2. Four years have already passed since the outbreak of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia, and during this time, enormous efforts have been made by many countries concerned, including Japan, and international organizations to achieve a settlement of the conflict and to provide assistance for refugees and displaced persons. The achievement of this comprehensive peace agreement has significant meaning not only for peace in the former Yugoslav region, but also because of the fact that this settlement to the largest regional conflict in the post Cold War era was reached through a cooperative effort by the international community.
   
   
3. The Government of Japan greatly appreciates the decision made by the leaders of the parties to the conflict to choose a settlement by negotiation rather than a settlement by arms and to agree to this comprehensive peace in the spirit of compromise and reconciliation. On the other hand, the restoration of peace in and the future development of the former Yugoslav region depend directly on the full implementation of this comprehensive peace agreement. The parties to this conflict must faithfully implement this agreement, work for the peaceful construction of a new order in the former Yugoslav region and fully cooperate with the efforts of the international community in its support for the fulfillment of this agreement.
   
   
4. The Government of Japan would like to express its highest regard for the members of the United States Government and all of those people who worked so hard for the achievement of this comprehensive peace agreement. The Government of Japan also expresses its intention to take part actively in the international assistance for the former Yugoslav region.