Japanese Foreign Minister, Yohei Kono, Tuesday vowed to provide "any possible assistance" to the Middle East peace process while pressing the Palestinians and Israelis to stop further bloodshed.
"Japan is ready to extend any possible assistance to the parties concerned for their efforts to settle the current situation and to achieve peace through negotiations," Kono said in a statement.
He reiterated concerns about ongoing clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians, which have killed more than 100 people since September 28.
"Japan condemns any act of provocation, any form of violence and excessive use of arms," Kono said.
"Japan strongly urges once again all the parties concerned to immediately halt violence and to cope with the situation with maximum self-restraint," the foreign minister said.
Tokyo announced last Friday aid worth 500,000 dollars to Palestinians in response to their requests for medicine and medical equipment.
The latest bout of Middle East unrest was triggered by a visit by Israeli right-wing opposition leader Ariel Sharon to a fiercely-disputed religious site in Jerusalem – TOKYO (AFP)
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