The Japanese government has aligned itself with the position of the United States, Tokyo's main ally, and has confirmed that it will not recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming UN Security Council meeting to be held in New York.
The decision was confirmed by Foreign Minister Takeshi Lwaya, who also stated that Japan will take measures if Israel continues to obstruct efforts for a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, Portugal has been added to the list of countries that will announce recognition of the state of Palestine at the UN assembly in New York. The news was confirmed by the Foreign Ministry.
The official declaration of recognition will be made on September 21, shortly before the United Nations General Assembly, according to a statement published on the ministry's official website.
Portugal brings the total number of countries that intend to recognize Palestine during the main week of the General Assembly to ten. The following countries have also initiated the recognition process: Andorra, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Malta, the United Kingdom and San Marino.
