I have several announcements at the outset. My first announcement concerns the present situation in the Middle East. I would like to give you the following statement. The Government of Japan is gravely concerned by the fact that the clashes between the Israelis and the Palestinians have been continuing for almost two weeks, not only causing further casualties but also spreading over a wider area.
Japan condemns any act of provocation, any form of violence and excessive use of arms.
Japan strongly urges once again all the parties concerned to immediately halt the violence and to cope with the situation with maximum self-restraint. Japan underlines once more that a negotiated peace is the only realistic option and strongly hopes that, as a first step toward this end, the parties will work out a ceasefire as soon as possible. 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. The Government of Japan hopes that this assistance will be of assistance in treating the injured. The United States of America, the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation and other countries concerned are also promoting active diplomacy with North Korea.