Statement by the Foreign Minister on the Summit Meeting in Washington on the Middle East Peace Process

3 October 1996

Japan welcomes that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Chairman Arafat agreed, after their intensive consultations during the summit meeting in Washington on October 1st and 2nd, to continue negotiations in order to implement the existing agreements on the interim self-rule. The outcome of this meeting constitutes an important step in settling the situation brought on by the recent clashes in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and bringing the peace process back on track. Japan appreciates the Government of the United States for playing a timely and dynamic role as a mediator to realize this summit meeting between the parties of the peace process under most difficult circumstances. Japan also expects the continued active engagement of the United States in advancing the peace process forward.

As the Palestinian track continues to be faced with great challenges, it is of primary importance for both parties at this stage, based on the outcome of the meeting, to avoid violent confrontations, to overcome differences existing between them, and to advance the negotiations so that the existing agreements will be steadily implemented. In this regard, Japan requests the parties concerned to refrain from actions which would damage progress in the peace process and to devote further efforts to nurturing a mutual trust and constructing a cooperative relationship. Japan hopes that the negotiations, which will soon be reconvened between both parties, will bring about immediate results.

On the basis of the positive results of my recent visit to the Middle East, Japan is now determined to play a more active role in helping promote the peace process, including advancing the Palestinian track.

Concerning assistance to the Palestinians, Japan has so far extended more than US$220 million, and taking into consideration the difficult situation caused by the closure on the West Bank and Gaza Strip, decided recently, on the occasion of Chairman Arafat's visit to Japan, to provide US$3 million as emergency assistance to a project aimed at job creation. Given the fact that the situation of the Palestinians is becoming increasingly difficult, Japan will continue its active assistance for the Palestinians.