有馬政府代表によるパレスチナ支援調整委員会（AHLC）でのステートメント

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有馬政府代表演説

有馬政府代表によるパレスチナ支援調整委員会（AHLC）でのステートメント

平成16年12月8日

Japanese Statement on the occasion of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee Meeting

8 December, 2004
at Oslo
Tatsuo Arima
Special Envoy of
The Government of Japan

　We are at a critical juncture in the history of the Middle East peace process. The Palestinians are going through the difficult phase of forming a new leadership after the passing of Chairman Arafat. We are pleased with the steady manner in which the transition is managed. We consider it imperative to secure the success of the Palestinian elections, which begin with the Raees election on January 9, to give democratic legitimacy to the new leadership. We are encouraged in this regard by the forthcoming attitude of the government of Israel. On our part, the Japanese Cabinet yesterday decided to provide about one US Million dollars for the Raees election. In addition, we are considering dispatching Japanese personnel to the expected international observation team to assure the fairness of the election.

　Given the democratic legitimacy, we are confident that the new leadership will work hard on the following three issues, leading to the creation of a responsible and effective governance:
　First, it is to promote their reforms, especially in the security area. Restoring internal security with Israeli's cooperation is essential for the Palestinians but also needed by the donors to prevent the recurrence of the destruction of the infrastructure provided by them.
　The second issue is to revitalize the economy of both Gaza and the West Bank in an integrated manner. In this context, the creation of an internal environment conducive to private investments is asked for of the Palestinians while the relaxation of the closure policy is expected from the Israelis.
　Finally, but not the least, it is to achieve together with the Israelis a visible and meaningful progress in the peace process, which will give the Palestinian people a greater hope for their future. In this regard, the Japanese government welcomes and supports Prime Minister Sharon's disengagement plan from Gaza and parts of the West Bank as a courageous decision provided that it will lead to the resurrection and revitalization of the dictates of the Roadmap. We are also encouraged by the report that now the government of Israel is ready to implement the Plan with substantive coordination with the Palestinian Authority.

　To support the establishment of a responsible and effective governance, Japan is prepared to provide a substantial amount of additional assistance to the Palestinians, a difficult decision for us in view of our serious budgetary constraints partly because of the natural calamities of historical proportion we suffered throughout the year. I hope our contribution will spur the further efforts of other donors. In this regard, we are encouraged by the Israeli government releasing the funds attached by the Israeli court orders. We strongly urge other donors to give assistance and cooperation in any form to seize what I consider to be the providential moment, or the moment of truth, for creating the peace in the Middle East.
　Thank you.

政府代表・幹部・大使・総領事 / 平成16年 / 目次