H.E. Mr. Shinichi Kitaoka

Ambassador

At the Public Meeting of the Security Council on the Situation in the Middle East Including the Palestinian Question

6 OCTOBER 2004

Mr. President,

Japan is greatly concerned about the recent clashes between the Israelis and the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which have caused many casualties. We are deeply worried that these clashes will trigger another cycle of violence, making it still more difficult to bring about peace between the two parties.

Mr. President,

To prevent further deterioration of the situation, Japan strongly urges the Israeli side to exercise maximum self-restraint and the Palestinian side to make the utmost efforts to control the extremists and to produce tangible results in that regard. We also urge both sides to promptly resume their efforts to implement the Roadmap.