Statement by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the escalation of military tension between Sudan and South Sudan

TOKYO, Japan, April 13, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Japan is deeply concerned over the escalation of military tension between Sudan and South Sudan.

Japan calls on both governments to exercise the maximum restraint with a view to avoiding further escalation of tension, and comply with the Memorandum of Understanding on Non-Aggression and Cooperation agreed and signed by the two governments on February 10, 2012, which proclaims principles such as respect for each other's territorial integrity and prohibition of support for anti-government movements. Particularly, Japan calls on the South Sudanese side to withdraw immediately from Heglig area without causing damages to oil-producing related facilities in that area. Also, Japan condemns the bombing on South Sudan.

Further, Japan calls on both governments of Sudan and South Sudan to resume talks to break the deadlock at an early date. Japan also urges both governments to resolve all issues between the two countries through negotiations.