Japan backs Egyptian-Jordanian initiative

Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minster Ambassador Mohammad Al-Orabi received on Sunday Japan's Ambassador in Cairo upon the latter's request.

The Japanese Ambassador voiced his country's support of the Egyptian-Jordanian initiative to reduce tension in the region and resume peace talks between the Palestinians and Israelis.

The Ambassador termed the initiative as a good basis for dialogue between the two parties, expressing Japan's readiness to join efforts aiming at ensuring the implementation of the initiative.

A press release issued by the Foreign Ministry said that Japan's Ambassador had confirmed his country's policy towards ending the economic blockade on the Palestinians, releasing taxes due to the Palestinian Authority, resuming security talks and condemning settlement activities.

The Japanese government, according to the release, said it saw some progress in the previous negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis, especially in Camp David under the auspices of former US President Bill Clinton, and urged the two parties to take into consideration the progress achieved during the recent negotiations.