LOC11:23
08:23 GMT
TOKYO, May 15 (KUNA) - Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono expressed regret on Tuesday over fatal clashes in the wake of the relocation of the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, while pledging support to "It is extremely regrettable. We hope countries concerned will respond to the issue calmly," Kono told reporters.
"Japan didn't participate in the opening ceremony of the new US Embassy, and there is no plan for the Japanese government to transfer our embassy to Jerusalem," he said.
The minister also pledged Japan's proactive support to Palestine, through such as the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park project.
According to media reports, on Monday, at least 59 Palestinians were killed and more than were 2,771 wounded in the Gaza Strip in violent clashes between the Israeli security forces and Palestinian demonstrators protesting against the moving of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Kono also noted that he is waiting for a policy package for the Middle East peace process to be proposed by the US government. Japan supports a two-state solution that calls for coexistence between Israel and a future Palestinian state. (end)
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