Japan welcomed today the agreement signed between Fatah and Hamas movements in Makkah under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. Media Spokesman of the Japanese Foreign Ministry Mitso Sakaba said in a statement that Japan values this agreement to put an end to the political dispute in the Palestinian territories. "This agreement is considered as a right step towards resuming the peace process and a move that would end violence and continue negotiations with Israel to maintain stability in the Middle East." The spokesman expressed Japan's appreciation for the formidable role of King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz in this regard. -- SPA