
TOKYO: Japan is in contact with what it terms “the so-called transitional government” of Syria, but currently there are no plans to reopen the Japanese Embassy in Damascus, Japanese Foreign Ministry officials have told Arab News Japan.
They added that Japan is hopeful that a peaceful and stable transition will take place in Syria, and that all concerned parties will play a constructive role toward an inclusive political solution and national reconciliation through dialogue among the Syrian people.
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and respond in cooperation with the international community,” the officials said.
The officials were also asked when Japan would downgrade the danger level in Syria from level 4, which tells citizens to evacuate the country.
Even though President Bashar Assad has fled the country and there are many members of the international media working in Syria, Japan is reluctant to change Syria’s status immediately.
“The Government of Japan determines the level of ‘Overseas Travel Safety Information’ from a medium- to long-term perspective, taking into consideration the security situation and other political and social conditions of each country or region,” the officials said. “Regarding Syria, we will continue to make appropriate decisions based on these factors.”