[Dr. Aaron Lerner - IMRA:

Read what the Japanese official reportedly said (the press release url
doesn't work for some reason on his website
http://www.ps.emb-japan.go.jp/PressRelease/PressRelease2012/n21Mar2012.pdf ]

"Hashimoto, in his speech, said the Japanese Government is determined to
continue its support for the Palestinian people and their government to
establish a viable independent Palestinian state and to develop capacities
of local institutions and communities in providing basic daily services to
population, bearing in mind the strategic importance of the Jordan Valley."
= the Japanese are spending money in the Jordan Valley because of its
"strategic importance".

What "strategic importance" does he have in mind?

It isn't the "strategic importance" of having unimpeded access to Jordan
from a Palestinian State as this could be achieved by Palestinian control of
the area around Allenby Bridge.

The only other "strategic importance" is the "strategic importance " to
defending Israel.

So Naofumi Hashimoto, the representative of Japan to the PA, is saying that
Japan is spending money in the Jordan Valley with an eye towards creating a
situation on the ground that will deny Israel the strategic security
provided by the Jordan Valley.

Japan Inaugurates Three Projects in Jordan Valley
Date : 21/3/2012 Time : 15:49
http://english.wafa.ps/index.php?action=detail&id=19347
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RAMALLAH, March 21, 2012 (WAFA) - Japan and the Palestinian Authority (PA)
inaugurated on Wednesday three projects for community empowerment in the
Jordan Valley, according to a press release by representative office of
Japan to the PA.

The three projects come as part of Japan’s contribution to the PA totaling
around $12 million to support the public activities of the communities in
the Jordan Valley of the West Bank, including Area C, which is under Israeli
occupation.

The grant will go for rehabilitation of more than 12 kilometers of internal
village roads, upgrading of electric power supply, including installation of
electric tower, line and poles.

A total 9000 people will benefit from these projects, said the release.

The ceremony was attended by Naofumi Hashimoto, the representative of Japan
to the PA, and the deputy Minister of Local Government, Mazen Ghonaim, among
others from both Palestinian and Japanese sides.

Hashimoto, in his speech, said the Japanese Government is determined to
continue its support for the Palestinian people and their government to
establish a viable independent Palestinian state and to develop capacities
of local institutions and communities in providing basic daily services to
population, bearing in mind the strategic importance of the Jordan Valley.

The Government of Japan has extended its official development assistance to
the Palestinian people since 1993, more than $1.2 billion in total, ranging
from humanitarian assistance to economic development assistance.

F.R./M.S.