TOKYO, Sept 20 — Japan does not plan to recognise a Palestinian state at United Nations (UN) meetings this month, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said on Friday.
He also said that for Tokyo, which supports a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, it is not a matter of whether to recognise a Palestinian state, but when to recognise it.
"I am aware voices calling for the recognition as a state are getting louder in the international community as well as in Japan.
"But the government has a responsibility to look hard into what will really lead to a two-state solution and to make diplomatic efforts towards that direction," Iwaya said during a press conference.
A handful of United States allies are preparing to recognise a Palestinian state as world leaders meet at the UN General Assembly in New York City next week in the hope of putting pressure on Israel to allow more aid into Gaza and seek long-term peace.
He added that Japan does not condone Israel's unilateral action, like the expansion of its military operations in Gaza, and that Japan will respond if Israel takes further steps that would close the way to the realisation of a two-state solution.
When asked if the Japanese response would include sanctions against Israeli ministers over the conflict in Gaza, Iwaya said the government will not exclude any options, including the recognition of a Palestinian state, in weighing its potential moves.
