On the Suicide Bombing in Eilat, Israel
(Statement by Japanese Foreign Ministry’s Press Secretary)

Embassy of Japan
January 30, 2007

On January 30, Japanese Foreign Ministry’s Press Secretary issued the following statement concerning the suicide bombing in Eilat , Israel on January 29.

• The Government of Japan strongly condemns the suicide bombing by a Palestinian extremist which occurred on January 29 in Eilat , Israel . Japan expresses its condolences to the bereaved families as well as deepest sympathy for the people who were injured. Terrorism cannot be justified for any reason, and any attempt to justify it is unacceptable.

• Japan deeply deplores the fact that such an incident occurred while the both parties are making their efforts to bring forward the peace process through holding a summit meeting between Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas and agreeing on partial transfer of tax and customs revenues.

• Japan strongly urges the Palestinian Authority to take all the necessary measures to prevent suicide bombings from recurring and to control the extremists. Japan also calls on the Israeli Government to keep exercising its utmost self-restraint in dealing with this incident.

[Related links]

* Japan ’s foreign policy (Fight against Terrorism)

http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/policies/political/fightagainstterrorism.htm

* Japan ’s foreign policy ( Middle East )

http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/policies/political/middleeast.htm

* Japan-Israel relations

http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/middle_e/israel/index.html

* Japan-Palestinian Authorities relations