Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi says Israel’s expansion of settlements in the Golan Heights “violates international law.”

“We are concerned that such measures will further heighten tensions in the region, and we are closely monitoring the developments surrounding the case with concern,” Iwaya said in reply to a question from Arab News Japan.

In the past, Japan has been reluctant to overtly criticize Israel’s actions against Syria. On Tuesday, Iwaya admitted, “I am honestly concerned about the situation in Israel.”

“We believe that Israel’s so-called settlement activities violate international law and we have repeatedly called on the Israeli government to completely freeze settlement activities. Once again, we strongly urge Israel to do so.”

However, Iwaya stated that Japan is not in a position to prevent Israel annexing territory in the Golan Heights and can’t say what might happen going forward.

“While Japan and the international community sincerely hope that all violence in Syria will cease and that Syria’s people will be able to build a better country, the situation in Syria could change considerably and we must keep a close watch on Israel.”

Iwaya said Japan’s position is that the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) should continue to monitor the Golan Heights, while all parties should respect Syria’s territorial independence.

“Japan will continue to call on all parties to stop violence immediately, comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and take necessary steps to ease tensions in the entire Middle East,” Iwaya added.