Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan’s Foreign Minister says the people of Syria must decide the fate of their country themselves and the future of the country “is crucial to achieving peace and stability in the entire Middle East region.”

A statement issued by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi said: “Japan calls on all the parties to fully respect the will of the Syrian people and to play a constructive role toward a comprehensive political settlement and national reconciliation through dialogue among the Syrian people that will ultimately lead to regional peace and prosperity.”

He added that Japan is closely following the developments in Syria and strongly hopes that the violence in Syria will end as soon as possible. He said that all Syrians should be able to enjoy “fundamental human rights, dignity, freedom and prosperity.”

“Japan expects a peaceful and stable transition of power in Syria,” he added. “Japan strongly urges all the parties to immediately cease the violence, comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and take necessary steps to reduce tensions in the Middle East.”

He expressed concern over the many casualties in the conflict and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the country.