JAPAN DENOUNCES ISRAELI DECISION TO BUILD 2600 SETTLEMENTS IN AL QUDS

Photo: some of the house units built by Israeli occupation in West Bank.

Tokyo, 14 Dzulhijjah 1435/8 October 2014 (MINA) – The Japanese Government issued a statement on Tuesday denouncing the recent Israeli decision to build 2600 additional units in Israeli settlements in occupied East Jerusalem.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry said Israel’s settlements contradict all international efforts to ensure the resumption of direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, especially after the ceasefire agreement that ended Israel’s aggression on Gaza.

Japan said Israel’s settlements place further obstacles that hinder the prospects of a two-state solution that would ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian State living in peace next to Israel, International Middle East Media Center (IMEMC) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

It added that settlements violate International Law and the Fourth Geneva Conventions, and called on Tel Aviv to stop its settlement activities in the occupied territories, including in occupied East Jerusalem.

“Japan strongly calls on Israel to refrain from unilateral measures that could change the situation, and the future, of occupied Jerusalem,” the Japanese Foreign Ministry said, “Israel must halt its settlement activities in Jerusalem and the West Bank.”

It also called on Tel Aviv to void its decision as it places more obstacles in front of all efforts meant for advancing pace talks.

Japan further called on Israel and the Palestinians to act on rebuilding trust needed for peace talks to resume in order to achieve a comprehensive peaceful solution to the conflict.(T/P008/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)