Statement by Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Tension between India and Pakistan

May 24, 2002

The Government of Japan is gravely concerned about the recent heightening of tension between India and Pakistan and the risk of its development into military conflict.
Japan condemns anew the outrageous terrorist attack on May 14 in an army cantonment in Kashmir and firmly maintains its position that terrorism of any kind can never be justified.
Recalling that the Government of Pakistan has been expressing a firm stance against terrorism, Japan strongly expects that Pakistan will take all steps to effectively stop and prevent terrorist activities including the infiltration across the line of control.
While sharing renewed indignation at terrorism, Japan sincerely hopes that India, in light of its responsible position as the major player in the region, and responding to the appeal of the entire international community, will exhaust diplomatic efforts, and work towards de-escalation as well as resumption of dialogue.
Japan has continuously made appeals to India and Pakistan since the tension rose between the two countries last year, and it intends to continue to step up its efforts as necessary.

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