Press Releases
Statement by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the decision regarding the construction of housing units in East Jerusalem
1. The Government of Japan deeply deplores that the Government of Israel has announced a plan to approve tenders for the construction of 1,500 housing units in the Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem.
2. The continued settlement activity of the Israeli Government clearly goes against the efforts of the parties involved in achieving peace and could greatly impact the currently conducted peace negotiation. Japan strongly calls upon Israel not to implement the above-mentioned plan of construction for the sake of progress in the peace process.
3. Japan appreciates the Israeli Government’s difficult measure of continuously releasing pre-Oslo Palestinian prisoners. Japan once again strongly urges both sides to act to enhance mutual trust and continue to make steady efforts for peace.
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