Statement by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the ceasefire agreement and other documents signed between the Government of the Central African Republic and the Coalition of armed groups

TOKYO, Japan, January 16, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Japan welcomes the signature of the ceasefire agreement and the political agreements on January 11 between the Government of the Central African Republic, the “Seleka” coalition of armed groups, and others. Japan also commends the efforts of those involved in this process, particularly the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

Japan calls on all of the relevant parties in the Central African Republic to implement the agreements in good faith and without delay, and to work together toward stability in the country.

Japan considers peace and stability as the foundations for African development. In addition, Japan continues to closely follow the situation in the Central African Republic and to support the initiatives taken by Africa itself.