    The Government of Japan just issued this statement with regard to this settlement. By the way - the spelling you have for the name is correct:  March 12, 2008  Foreign Press Center (No. ***)  Statement by Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the announcement of the Gevernment of Israel regarding the construction of houseing units at a settlement in the vicinity of Jerusalem   1.   The Government of Japan is concerned about the recent approval of the Government of Israel regarding the resumption of construction of approximately 750 housing units at the settlement of Giv’at Ze’ev located in the vicinity of Jerusalem, and calls upon the Government of Israel to immediately review such plan of the construction as it might have negative impacts on the current peace process.  2.   Eespecially while the peace negotiations between the Israeli and the Palestinian sides, which were relaunched by the Annapolis Conference, have fallen into difficulties due to the recent situation in the Gaza Strip and the southern Israel and the terrorist shooting attack in Jerusalem, such unilateral measure of the housing construcion in the controversial settlements, following the announcement in last December, might further undermine the momentum for peace and could never make any constructive contribution to the confidence-building between the parties concerned.  3.   As Japan hopes that a peace agreement will be reached as soon as possible and peaceful co-existence and co-prosperity will be realized between the Israelis and the Palestinians, we strongly hope that the Israeli side will fulfill the Road Map obligations and will make due efforts with maximum self-restraints and good-faith for the bilateral negotiations in order not to deteriorate the situation on the ground.  (END)  *For inquiries, contact the International Press Division, MOFA (tel. 5501-8134).