Japan deplores new housing construction in “Gilo” settlement – Statement by Press Secretary of the Japanese For. Mnistry/Non-UN document

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 Israeli government has announced the approval of plans for the construction of a total of 797 new housing units in Gilo in East Jerusalem.

2.The Israeli government continues to proceed with its plan for settlement construction at a time when the international community is making utmost efforts to resume direct negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian sides. This clearly goes against the ongoing efforts by the international community to resume negotiations for peace.

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 does not recognize any unilateral act that prejudges the final status of the territories in the pre-1967 borders. Japan strongly calls upon Israel not to implement the above-mentioned plans of construction, for the sake of progress in the peace process.

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