TOKYO, December 21, 2011 (WAFA) – Japan deeply deplored the latest Israeli government plans for the construction of a total of 1,028 new housing units for Jews in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, according to a statement published Wednesday by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It said the Israeli government’s proceeding with its plan for settlement construction goes against ongoing efforts by the international community to resume negotiations for peace, at a time when the Middle East Quartet and the international community are urging both Israeli and Palestinian sides to resume direct negotiations.

“Settlement activities are a violation of international law, and Japan has repeatedly called upon Israel to fully freeze settlement activities,” said the statement, adding that the government of Japan does not recognize any “unilateral act that prejudges the final status of the territories in the pre-1967 borders.”

Japan called on Israel not to implement its construction plans, for the sake of progress in the peace process, and urged both Palestinian and Israeli sides to act towards boosting mutual trust and continue to make steady efforts for peace.

R.Q./F.J.