Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Situation in Southern Serbia

February 19, 2001

1. On February 16, a bus carrying Serb civilians was attacked in southern Serbia. The Government of Japan strongly condemns the attack that killed and injured many. Such an assault is contrary to the will of a majority of residents in the area as well as that of the international community whose wish is to build a safe society in this region. Investigation should be conducted as soon as possible.

2. The Government of Japan urges immediate cessation of the series of recent acts of violence in Kosovo and southern Serbia, and strongly hopes that all those concerned will stay calm and aim to resolve the issue by peaceful means.

Related Information (Japan-Serbia and Montenegro Relations)