Press Releases
The settlement construction in East Jerusalem
(Statement by Foreign Press Secretary Yasuhisa Kawamura)
1. The Government of Japan deeply deplores that, according to information, Israel has approved the construction of settlement for 454 units in East Jerusalem. In particular, it is part of the settlement plan announced on October 2013 which the international community including Japan strongly called for its cancellation. Hence the approval will disappoint international community.
2. Settlement activities are violation of international law, and undermine the ongoing efforts by the international community to resume the peace talks. Japan has repeatedly called upon Israel to fully freeze settlement activities and once again, strongly calls upon Israel to refrain from any unilateral act and to desist from implementing the above-mentioned plan of construction.
3. Japan once again strongly urges both Israeli and Palestinian sides to act to enhance mutual trust and continue to make steady efforts for peace.