Japan deplores Israel’s plans to construct housing units in E. Jerusalem – Japan MoFA statement/Non-UN document

November 5^th, 2014

Statement by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of  Japan,
on the Decision regarding the settlement construction in  East Jerusalem 

1. The Government of Japan once again deeply deplores that, according to information, The Government of Israel has advanced plans to construct housing units in East Jerusalem.

2. As the Government of Japan has repeatedly expressed, The Israeli decision has a negative impact on the current security situation in Jerusalem and the ceasefire agreement regarding the Gaza Strip, and 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 plan 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.

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http://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press4e_000493.html