Statement by Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the start of proximity talks between Israel and Palestinians

"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)

Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations

National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Statement by Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the start of proximity talks between Israel and Palestinians

[Place]

[Date] May 10, 2010

[Source] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

[Notes]

[Full text]

1. Japan welcomes the start of proximity talks between Israel and Palestinians on May 9 through the mediating efforts of the United States. Japan calls on both parties to act in a way that enhances mutual confidence, and hopes that the proximity talks will swiftly develop into the resumption of direct talks and lead to substantive progress in the peace process.

2. Japan has constantly held political dialogues with the parties to the Middle East peace process. Japan invited Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas this February, and Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Liberman is now visiting Japan also with its invitation. Japan also continues its assistance to Palestinians with a view to contributing to building of a viable Palestinian state through, for instance, promoting the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative. Furthermore, Japan has hosted several conferences to help build confidence between the parties. Japan will continue to make its efforts to contribute to promoting peace in the Middle East together with the international community.