Newsletter No. 651
News-Analysis
June 17, 2007

 

The following newsletter has been contributed by Keely Fahoum (Shingetsu Member No. 112). Fahoum is based at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey.

THE FOREIGN MINISTRY REACTS TO THE LATEST ASSASSINATION IN LEBANON

MOFA released a short statement on the 15th expressing condolences to the families of the victims of the recent bombing in Beirut which included the death of Lebanese Parliament member, Walid Eido and his eldest son. The statement also reiterated Japan's support for the Lebanese government and encouraged the various groups with political and security interests in Lebanon to work together in order to achieve a stronger future for this Levantine state. MOFA's statement and subsequent Q & A session with reporters show that Prime Minister Abe's government hasn't budged from its position as a staunch supporter and cheerleader for Prime Minister Fuad Siniora.

I have to take some issue with MOFA Press Secretary Shikata's comment about Lebanon representing a "very important model for the region." Many other countries in the region have a rich culture and ethnic diversity, but do not necessarily want to model their government after a country whose constitution creates confessional divisions as does that of Lebanon.

Statement by Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Terrorist Bombing Attack against Mr.Walid Eido, Member of the Parliament of Lebanon
June 15, 2007

1. The Government of Japan is deeply shocked by the act of terrorism in Beirut on 13th which killed a number of innocent people including Mr.Walid Eido, Member of the Parliament of Lebanon, and his eldest son and expresses its condolences to the victims and their families. Such an act of terrorism can never be tolerated and the Government of Japan strongly condemns it.

2. The Government of Japan, together with the international community, fully supports the efforts of the Lebanese Government for the stability of Lebanon and strongly hopes that all the parties concerned in Lebanon will overcome their differences through dialogue and negotiations, and work together to achieve the stability and reconstruction of Lebanon.

Question Concerning the Situation in Lebanon

Reporter: My last question is on the developments in Lebanon. Two days ago a Member of Parliament was assassinated, and there are still some clashes in the Palestinian camp, and unfortunately Prime Minister Fouad Siniora had to postpone his trip to Japan for the second time. How does Japan evaluate the situation in the Republic of Lebanon now, and what is your support for Prime Minister Siniora's government?

MOFA Assistant Press Secretary Noriyuki Shikata: As you pointed out, we wanted to see Prime Minister Siniora in town. Prime Minister Abe was very much looking forward to seeing him, and that visit could have been an occasion for us to deepen cooperation with Lebanon. However, as you stated, the internal politics in Lebanon have elements of uncertainty, and we certainly hope that the situation in Lebanon will become more stable and we wish to promote our bilateral cooperation with Lebanon. Lebanon has traditionally a very rich culture with ethnic diversity representing a very important model in the region. Therefore, we are hoping that the situation in Lebanon will improve.