Press Conferences

Press Conference by Foreign Press Secretary KOBAYASHI Maki

Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 3:45 p.m. Ministry of Foreign Affairs

This is a provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only.
Japanese

Meeting with UNRWA Commissioner General

Kyodo News, Hayashi: There was an announcement that UNRWA Commissioner General Lazzarini will come to Japan today and is scheduled to meet with Minister Kamikawa tomorrow. Regarding Japan’s funding to UNRWA, what will Japan and the minister ask of the Commissioner General in response to his explanation of efforts to strengthen the governance at UNRWA, and what is the outlook for Japanese policy on that funding?

Ms. KOBAYASHI Maki, Press Secretary: We believe funds for UNRWA are very precious because they come from taxes paid by Japan’s citizens.

Japan has decided to temporarily suspend funding to UNRWA in view of the severity of its alleged involvement in terrorist attacks. On the issue of UNRWA, Japan has been communicating with the United Nations (UN), UNRWA, and relevant countries through various channels. We have also been following the progress of the UN investigation and the independent review, and UNRWA’s own efforts, and actively engaging and cooperating with the process.

Minister Kamikawa, herself, explained that she has held dialogues with Chair Colonna of the Independent Review Group and UN Secretary-General Guterres.

Japan believes that what UNRWA must do above all is to advance initiatives that will enable it to regain more solid trust and fulfill its role as soon as possible.

Regarding your question, Minister Kamikawa is scheduled to meet with UNRWA Commissioner General Lazzarini, who will be in Japan, tomorrow, March 28, to reiterate the need to strengthen UNRWA’s governance, as well as to receive a full explanation of UNRWA’s efforts and their direction.

As Minister Kamikawa also explained yesterday, we will then consider in a timely manner our response.

Kyodo News, Hayashi: What action does Japan want UNRWA to take?

Press Secretary Kobayashi: As I mentioned earlier, Japan has been communicating with relevant parties through various channels. I would like to refrain from explaining the details here.

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