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Telephone Talks Between Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nabeel Sha'ath of the Palestinian Authority

December 2003

Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi On December 2, in his telephone talks with during which Minister of Foreign Affairs Nabeel Sha'ath of Palestinian Authority (PA) expressed his condolences at the murder of the Japanese diplomats. They also exchanged views on the latest developments in the Palestinian territories situation. The following is a summary of the talks.

  1. Foreign Minister Sha'ath expressed his sincere condolences for the loss of the two Japanese diplomats in Iraq. In response, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi, while extending her appreciation for his condolences, stated that Japan will not yield to terrorism and that Japan will continue with its active efforts for providing humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to Iraq.
  2. Regarding the recent Palestinian situation, Foreign Minister Sha'ath noted as follows. Recently, with the official inauguration of the Mr. Qurie's Cabinet, various efforts are being made for resuming the implementation of the roadmap. Consultations in underway between the Palestinians area the Israeli side in preparation for the meeting between Prime Minister Ahmad Qurie and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. In addition, dialogues are being held in Cairo among the Palestinian factions for the purpose of bringing about a permanent ceasefire. Furthermore, the "Geneva Initiative" was announced yesterday (Dec 1) all these contribute to enhance the momentum for peace.

    In response, to the above explanation by Minister Sha'ath, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that it is vital for the international community to provide assistance to the peace efforts by the two parties so that the progress of the peace process advances.
  3. As regards the upcoming AHLC meeting (an international conference on assistance to Palestine) in Rome on December 10, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi affirmed the importance of assistance to the Palestinians and stated that, Japan intends to continue its active assistance in the fields of humanitarian, PA Reform and confidence building. Foreign Minister Sha'ath expressed his gratitude for Japan's assistance to the Palestinians and his expectation that Japan would continue its assistance.
  4. Regarding the separation wall which Israel is currently constructing, Foreign Minister Sha'ath requested Japan to call on Israel to discontinue its construction. Foreign Minister Kawaguchi responded that Japan had appealed to the Israeli side on several occasions that the separation wall should not be constructed inside the Green Line.
  5. Finally, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi expressed her hope that, for the purpose of policy dialogue, a visit to Japan by Foreign Minister Sha'ath and other relevant conducting officials could be realized at a convenient time for the both parties.
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