Japan welcomed today the Presidential decree to hold a series of elections in Palestine starting with the legislative election on May 22 to be followed on July 31 with presidential elections.

"Japan believes realization of these elections will mark an important step towards establishing a future democratic and independent Palestinian state," said a Japanese Foreign Ministry statement.

"The positive engagement of all the concerned parties, including the Palestinian factions as well as the Israeli government, is essential for the success of these elections. Japan strongly hopes that free, fair, and inclusive elections will be held, including voting by Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem."

The statement said that "Japan continues to support Palestine, working together with the international community, to achieve its unity through these elections and to engage firmly in the realization of Middle East peace."

 

Source: Wafa News Agency