TOKYO, Feb 15 (KUNA) -- Japan on Wednesday expressed serious concern about the announcement by the Israeli government to authorize nine Jewish settler outposts and the plan to approve new settlement construction in the West Bank.
"Settlement activities are in violation of international law and undermine the viability of a two-state solution. Japan strongly urges the Israeli government not to implement the measures and to totally freeze its settlement activities," Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Hikariko Ono said in a statement.
"As the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine witnesses continued clashes and violence resulting in a number of casualties, Japan once again calls for refraining from actions that exacerbate tensions," the spokeswoman added. (end) mk.gb