• “The Government of Japan strongly urges the Government of Israel to reverse the decision and fully freeze its settlement activities,” Kamikawa said

Khaldon Azhari

TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko on Tuesday said the violence by extremist Israeli settlers, is ‘absolutely unacceptable’.

“Japan is deeply concerned over the violence by settlers in the West bank,” Kamikawa stated in a press conference. “On various occasions, Japan has explained our position that Israeli settlement activities are in violation of international law and undermine the viability of a two-state solution. Based upon this position we have been strongly urging the Israeli government to completely freeze settlement activities.”

Kamikawa cited a March 8 press statement by Foreign Ministry Press Secretary KOBAYASHI Maki that stated, “The Government of Japan remains seriously concerned by and once again expresses deep regret over the continued settlement activities by the Government of Israel despite repeated calls by Japan and the international community.”

“The Government of Japan strongly urges the Government of Israel to reverse the decision and fully freeze its settlement activities,” Kamikawa said.

The Japanese foreign minister also said Japan is aware that several European countries and the United States have announced entry bans on some Israeli settlers.

“We will continue to take any necessary response,” she added. “Violence by extremist Israeli settlers is unacceptable and we will continue to clearly demonstrate our position as such and study what kind of response would be most appropriate. We will also continue to approach the Israeli government to take appropriate action.”