Statement on the decision regarding construction of housing units for Jewish people in E. Jerusalem – Representative Office of Japan to the PA statement/Non-UN document

Press Release

February 7, 2014

H-007

Statement by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the decision regarding
the construction of housing units for Jewish people in East Jerusalem

1. The Government of Japan deeply deplores that, according to information, the Jerusalem municipal planning committee has approved plans to construct a total of 558 new housing units in areas of East Jerusalem such as Har Homa.

2. The Israeli Government continues its plan for settlement construction at a time when the United States is making its utmost mediation efforts to proceed with direct negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian sides. This clearly goes against the ongoing efforts by the international community toward realizing a two-state solution.

3. Settlement activities are a violation of international law, and Japan has repeatedly called upon Israel to fully freeze settlement activities. The  Government of Japan strongly calls upon Israel to refrain from any  unilateral act that changes the current status of East Jerusalem and to desist from implementing the above-mentioned plans of construction for the sake of progress in the peace process.

4. Japan once again strongly urges both sides to act to enhance mutual trust  and continue to make steady efforts for peace.

(END)

http://www.ps.emb-japan.go.jp/PressRelease/PressRelease2014/n7February.pdf