Japanese State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Koichi Takemasa today discussed the prospects of resuming peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians during separate meetings with Prime Minister Samir Rifai and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, dpa quoted an official statement as saying. "The prime minister praised Japan"s backing to the two-state solution, its call for the cessation of Israeli settlement activity and its support for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine refugees," the statement said. The Jordanian premier said that his country was keen on boosting economic cooperation ties with Japan. -- SPA
