Visit to Japan by Two Palestinian Authority Ministers
(Overview)

1. Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Dr. Nabil Sha'ath and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Maher Al Masri of the Palestinian Interim Authority visited Japan from December 18 to 21 for the Japan-Palestinian Ministerial Political Consultation and the Japan-Palestinian Joint Committee meetings. (These were the second meetings of these two bodies; the first meetings were held in May 2000.) As well as attending the Ministerial Political Consultation with Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi, they participated in Joint Committee meetings on politics, economic cooperation, and economic, industrial, and trade matters, held talks with prominent figures in political circles, including the Secretaries-General of the three ruling parties and the Japan-Palestinian Parliamentarian Friendship League, delivered speeches at the Middle East Institute of Japan, and had interviews with the main media.

2. Overview of the Ministerial Political Consultation with Foreign Minister Kawaguchi

(1) Current state of Middle East peace

(a) The Palestinian side stated that the present situation in the Palestinian territories is severe and, in particular, the economic situation is extremely difficult because of closures and Israeli occupation. Nevertheless, they said, public opinion of both Israelis and Palestinians continues to support peace, and it is meaningful that the "roadmap" is being discussed as an effort toward peace.

(b) Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that she was fully aware of the severe situation in the region and that it was important to reach a consensus on the "roadmap" as soon as possible.

(2) Iraq issue

(a) Minister Sha'ath expressed concern that if the situation over Iraq worsened, the situation concerning the Palestinian territories would also deteriorate and said that they also were trying to persuade Iraq to accept and implement U.N. Security Council resolutions. He also stated that to achieve real peace and stability in the Middle East, it was important to solve the Palestinian conflict.

(b) Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that she had heard from the prime minister's special envoys dispatched to the Middle East recently that countries in the area were emphasizing the importance of Middle East peace and that the ball is now on the Iraqi side. She said that Japan is carefully watching developments in the situation.

(3) Palestinian reform

(a) The Palestinian side explained that despite severe condition, they continue to make two efforts: (i) efforts for a cease-fire, including direct consultations with Hamas, and (ii) Palestinian reform. On the issue of Palestinian reform, effort for drafting Palestinian Constitution is ongoing, and preparations for the elections were being made, including the establishment of an election committee. In order to hold elections in January, they said, Israeli withdrawal was necessary.

(b) Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that she was aware of the consultations between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas and praised these efforts. She added that Japan had called on Israel to end its incursion and violence and also requested the Palestinian side to put an end to violence and terrorism.

(4) Japan's role toward peace

(a) The Palestinian side expressed hope for Japan's positive role and stated that Japan should certainly join the Quartet, a move that the Palestinian side would supported. The Palestinian side also requested Japan to increase the level of its economic cooperation, which is declining, to the previous level.

(b) Foreign Minister Kawaguchi responded that Japan would continue to be involved in Middle East peace and expressed gratitude for Palestinian support for Japan's role. On the assistance to the Palestinians, she stated that Japan's commitment remains unchanged. Regarding the decline in the amount of assistance, she said that the worsening security situation is a problem and that, in order to increase the amount of assistance, Japan would like to see efforts toward the improvement of the security situation. (In response, the Palestinian side stated that there is an exaggeration on the worsening security situation.)