Japan has condemned the shelling of Mariupol on Jan. 24, which resulted in numerous civilian casualties, the Japanese Foreign Ministry has reported.
“Japan expresses its deep condolences to the victims and the bereaved families, and prays for the early recovery of those who were injured,” reads a statement released by the Japanese Foreign Press Secretary, regarding the shelling in eastern Ukraine.
According to the statement, Japan is concerned that despite various efforts by the international community towards peace, the Minsk agreements are not being observed and that the conflict is escalating in some areas in Ukraine, which has resulted in casualties.
“Japan strongly calls upon all the relevant parties to make efforts to work towards a peaceful and diplomatic solution of the issue while observing the Minsk agreements and fully respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In particular, Japan calls upon Russia to exercise its influence on the armed separatists who have announced their intention to expand their attacks to implement the Minsk agreements,” the document reads.
