Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan is paying close attention to how the United Nations and the international community will react before reaching any decision on lifting or maintaining sanctions on Syria.

“I’m aware of what (American) President Donald Trump said when he announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria. So, as far as our country is concerned, the interim government of Syria has been working on a dialogue towards an inclusive political solution and national reconciliation, and it will continue to work towards a peaceful and stable transition,” Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi said at a press conference on Friday in reply to a question from Arab News Japan.

Minister Iwaya continued, “We are evaluating the situation and looking at it from the point of view that it is desirable to create a better state for the Syrian people whilst closely monitoring the discussions of the international community, including the Security Council Sanctions Committee.”  “We should then judge appropriately on what action to take.”

American President Trump announced the lifting of the sanctions on Syria during his visit to Saudi Arabia this week.