Statement by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the Obstruction of Humanitarian Aid Activities of United Nations Agencies and Other Agencies by an Extremist Islamic Group in Somalia

TOKYO, Japan, December 2, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Japan firmly denounces a statement issued by Islamic extremist group of Somalia Al-Shabaab on Monday, November 28 banning the activities of humanitarian aid agencies, including United Nations (UN) agencies, in southern Somalia, and Al-Shabaab's seizure of equipment and materials from offices and other facilities of those agencies.

Japan is deeply concerned that the humanitarian conditions of people, who have suffered from the drought and conflict in Somalia, will deteriorate further, and urges all the parties concerned in the country to cooperate with the humanitarian aid activities of UN and other agencies.

Japan intends to work with the international community, including the UN and the African Union to further continue support and cooperation toward stabilizing the situation in Somalia.