Japan Asks Palestine to Accept U.S. Mediation for Peace Talks

May 2, 2018

Ramallah, West Bank- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called on Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday to accept the United States as a mediator for its peace negotiations with Israel.

Abe told Abbas that Japan supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"As the role of the United States is indispensable, Palestine should consider U.S. proposals, if any," Abe said.

Abbas only said that the situation is very tough.

Palestine has been refusing U.S. mediation for the peace talks after U.S. President Donald Trump last year recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and decided to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Palestine is seeking to achieve peace in the Middle East through a multilateral mechanism.

In his meeting with Abbas, Abe said Japan has no plan to relocate its embassy in Tel Aviv.

Abe said Japan aims to help create an atmosphere of mutual trust between Israel and Palestine by promoting its Corridor for Peace and Prosperity economic development initiative.

Abbas replied that the initiative gives hope to Palestinians. Expressing his appreciation for Japan's aid, Abbas promised to continue cooperating in projects under the initiative.

Abe pledged 10 million dollars in fresh food aid to Palestine, saying that his country will maintain its efforts to support regional economic and social stability.

He will hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday. The Japanese leader plans to encourage Israel to have a direct dialogue with Palestine. Jiji Press