Japan deeply deplores the Israeli decision to build 1,500 housing units in E. Jerusalem and the West Bank – Japanese Foreign Ministry statement/Non-UN document

Statement by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan,
on the decision regarding the construction of housing units in East Jerusalem and the West Bank

June 6, 2014
Japanese

1. The Government of Japan deeply deplores that the Government of Israel has published tenders for the construction of a total of about 1500 housing units in the Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

2. The Israeli Government continues its plans for settlement construction, which 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 as well as the West Bank 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 Israeli and Palestinian sides to act to enhance mutual trust and continue to make steady efforts for peace.

http://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press4e_000293.html