Japan announced it has decided not to recognize Palestine as a state for the time being, opting for a cautious approach ahead of the U.N. General Assembly and emphasizing its continued support for a two-state solution.
On Sept. 19, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya stated at a news conference that Tokyo would not move forward with recognizing Palestinian statehood during the assembly meeting that will be held this week.
While reaffirming Japan’s support for a two-state solution–where Israel and Palestine coexist as independent, sovereign nations–Iwaya explained, “We must seriously consider what would realistically lead to a two-state solution,” signaling a cautious stance on recognition at this stage.
That same day, Iwaya held separate phone calls with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Varsen Aghabekian, who holds an equivalent title in Palestinian territory, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlining Japan’s stance to each.
Iwaya is scheduled to attend an international conference on the two-state solution in New York on Sept. 22, where he will explain Japan’s position.
During the conference, several countries may move to recognize Palestine as a state. The Japanese government had been under pressure to decide its response ahead of the meeting.
The United States has opposed recognition of Palestine as a state. According to several Japanese government officials, Washington informally requested that Japan refrain from recognizing Palestine.
However, Iwaya said at the news conference: “There was no explicit request. Our decision was made independently and comprehensively.”
Going forward, Japan will demand Israel cease unilateral actions and urge the United States to apply more pressure on Israel.
The United Kingdom and France are among countries that have recently indicated their intention to recognize Palestine.
Iwaya would not be swayed, noting that “Israel has hardened its position.”
On Sept. 19, the Japanese government announced that lameduck Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will visit New York from Sept. 23 to 25 to attend the U.N. General Assembly, where he will deliver a speech.
AloJapan.com