TOKYO, Feb 9 (NNN-KUNA) — Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have urged Israel to halt building settlements in the occupied West Bank against repeated requests from the international community.

During their talks here Monday, the two leaders also agreed on the need for an early resumption of the Middle East peace process, and the continuation of the halt of violence by the Palestinians against the Israelis.

Hatoyama and Abbas also agreed to promote a Japan-proposed initiative, dubbed the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” which aims at helping promote economic independence of the Palestinians through agricultural projects.

Hatoyama reaffirmed Japan’s contributions toward realizing the Middle East peace, while Abbas thanked Hatoyama for Japan’s support of his efforts.

The Palestinian leader arrived in Japan on Sunday for a four-day visit as part of his Asian tour that will also take him to South Korea. He visited Hiroshima on Sunday, the city which was devastated by US atomic bombs at the end of World War II, to leave a floral tribute at the memorial cenotaph for atomic bomb victims.

As a major aid donor to the Palestinians, Japan has been eager to play a role as a mediator in the Middle East peace process and to bring development and stability to the region.

– NNN-KUNA

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