Tokyo – SANA – A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers has submitted a petition with 206 signatures to Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, calling on the government to officially recognize the State of Palestine.
According to the Mainichi Shimbun, Tomoko Abe of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, who joined two other opposition members in presenting the petition, said:“Israel has no intention of agreeing to a cease-fire, and the suffering of hungry children cannot be ignored.”
Foreign Minister Iwaya acknowledged the appeal, stating:“I take this seriously since this many signatures were collected,” adding that the ministry will study the matter further.
The group of lawmakers also includes members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, reflecting broad parliamentary concern over the issue.
Meanwhile, several countries – including France, Britain, Canada, and Australia – have pledged to move toward recognizing a Palestinian state during the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly next month.
Tuhama /BA
