Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi didn’t offer any assurance that Japan would soon reopen its embassy or appoint an ambassador in Syria.

When asked at a news conference on Tuesday about Japan’s plans to reopen its embassy in Damascus, Iwaya maintained a cautious stance, avoiding specifics and referred to the authorities there as the “so-called government.”

“The Japanese government is paying serious attention to the developments in Syria,” he replied. “We have been in contact with representatives of the so-called interim government, and we are considering our future responses to the situation in Syria.”

Iwaya said that Japan has been issuing warnings based on safety information for the Japanese in the country, considering these security conditions and the political and social situation in Syria.

“Moving forward, we intend to assess the situation and make appropriate judgments carefully,” Minister Iwaya added. “Regardless, our country hopes for a peaceful and stable transition of power in Syria, and we expect all parties involved to play a constructive role towards a legal, political resolution through dialogue by the Syrian people.”

The Japanese Foreign Minister also stated that Japan would continue to work closely with the international community to ensure safety.