Abbas arrives in Japan

Palestinian leader expected to receive generous aid package, Japan hoping to boost its standing on international stage

By Iris Georlette|Published: 05.15.05 , 08:33

TOKYO - Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Japan Sunday for a three-day visit, after accepting an invitation from Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

The Palestinian leader is expected to meet with Koizumi and Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura, as well as other ministers and leading industrialists.

Japanese officials were hoping Prime Minister Ariel Sharon would also visit Japan at the same time for a quasi summit, but the Israeli Foreign Ministry clearly indicated Sharon would arrive in the country separately from Abbas, if at all.

Foreign Ministry officials told the Japanese Sharon would have a hard time arranging a visit as a result of preparations for the upcoming Gaza Strip and northern West Bank pullout, as well as Memorial Day and Independence Day events that took place last week.

However, the officials left the door open for a Sharon visit at the end of May or beginning of June.

Abbas’ visit was initiated back in January, when Foreign Minister Machimura visited Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

At that time, Japan identified an opportunity to boost its involvement in the peace process following Arafat’s death and the establishment of a national unity government in Israel, and was quick to dispatch Machimura in a bid to boost Japan’s standing as an influential actor on the international stage.

At this time, Japan is bidding for a much-desired regular seat in the United Nations Security Council. Hence, Abbas’ visit is shaping up as beneficial for both sides.

Japan a regular contributor to PA

The Palestinian leader would show his voters Japan supports the Palestinian Authority, and is expected to return with a generous aid package. Meanwhile, Japan would be able to show the world it was able to bring an important international actor to Koizumi’s home court. Backing Abbas is also expected to boost Japan’s position in the eyes of the Arab world.

A senior Japanese Foreign Ministry official told Ynet Japan has been financing the Palestinian Authority regularly since 1993 and is third on the list of donors behind the United States and the European Union.

Notably, the Japanese assistance to the Palestinians for the year 2004-2005 stands at USD 90 million, including a million earmarked for the PA chairman elections day alone.

Meanwhile, Japanese media sources estimated Abbas would receive a pledge for at least USD 50 million in support for the coming year.

Israel’s embassy in Japan is not involved in Abbas’ visit, but Ambassador Eli Cohen is likely to use the occasion to urge Japanese Foreign Ministry officials to remind the Palestinian leader of his commitment to curb terror.