Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Open Debate on the Agenda Item “The Situation in the Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question”

Thank you, Mr. President.
 
At the outset, let me address briefly wider regional issues. We are seriously concerned by the recent heightened tension in the region. The eruption of a new conflict, especially in the Gulf, could have disastrous consequences. We must continue to encourage all concerned to find a solution through negotiations. Japan urges all concerned to make maximum diplomatic efforts in order to avoid further escalation of the situation. Prime Minister ABE has just returned from his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Sultanate of Oman, and Japan will continue its diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and achieve peace and stability in the region.
 
Mr. President,
 
Even at this juncture, the Middle East peace process remains a top priority for the international community. Without finding a solution to this issue, lasting peace and stability in the region cannot be realized.
 
Yesterday, we heard again of continued settlement activities as well as the demolition of Palestinian-owned structures. Japan deeply deplores those activities and once again strongly urges the Government of Israel to completely cease all settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including implementation of construction plans that are undermining the viability of a two-state solution. 
 
We are also deeply concerned about continued violence. We strongly condemn terrorism and attacks against innocent civilians including those by rockets, and call upon the parties to take immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence, provocations and incitement.
 
Japan remains committed to supporting a two-state solution. The final status of Jerusalem should be resolved through negotiations based on the relevant Security Council resolutions and known parameters.
 
Japan will remain engaged with both sides and will continue to promote confidence-building measures. As a humble step and building on many year of efforts, Japan will invite later this month 10 young people from both Israel and Palestine to support building confidence among them. The point here is that young people can shed light on the pathway for peace and security by offering hope to the future generation.
 
Mr. President,
 
Every three months, we repeat similar depressing statements in this Chamber. We sincerely hope positive steps will be made in the coming months, including the holding of general elections in Palestine. Japan will remain actively engaged both politically and economically to support progress in the peace process in cooperation with international partners.
 
I thank you, Mr. President.