Japan Regrets Conflict in Middle East over Jerusalem

May 15, 2018

Tokyo- Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono expressed regret on Tuesday over bloody clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinian protesters.

The violence, which left at least 59 people dead in the Gaza Strip on Monday, came as the United States moved its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem the same day.

"It's very regrettable. We want concerned nations to take level-headed measures to handle the situation," Kono said.

He also underscored Japan's stance not to move its embassy to Jerusalem.

Regarding the prospects for Middle East peace negotiations, Kono indicated that the Japanese government will wait for a U.S. proposal to mediate talks. Jiji Press