Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan hopes that the regime change in Syria will stimulate peace throughout the region, Chief Cabinet Secretary HAYASHI Yoshimasa told a press conference in Tokyo on Monday.

“We hope that the violence will be stopped in Syria, so that all the people in the Syria can enjoy freedom and basic human rights,” he said. “That is the very strong wish of the Japanese government. There have been many people killed and we have serious concerns about the loss of life and the conditions for the people there.”

“We have expectations that this most recent action might lead to an improvement of the situation there. We are talking to other stakeholders to stop the violence, make sure international laws, including international humanitarian laws, are respected and to eliminate tensions in the Middle East, not just Syria. We hope all stakeholders will play constructive roles to bring stability to the region.”

Hayashi declined to comment on future relations between Syria and Japan. He said the government is concentrating on ensuring the safety of its citizens in the area. He added that Japan will work with the G7 and contribute as a member of the United Nations Security Council.

He noted that Japan has delivered $3.5 million in assistance to Syria and will continue to provide assistance and work with the international community to find a good resolution to the situation in Syria.