Japan thanks Jordan for support during hostage crisis

AMMAN — Jordan on Sunday strongly condemned the killing of Japanese hostage Kenji Goto by the so-called Islamic State (IS), while Japan thanked Jordan for its support during the crisis.

Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani said Jordan had not spared any effort to save the life of the Japanese hostage and secure his freedom, adding that it was in continuous contact with Japanese authorities.

In a statement issued on Sunday morning, almost 12 hours after the release of a video attributed to IS showing it behead the second Japanese hostage, Momani stressed that IS rejected all attempts by concerned parties to release the veteran journalist.

Also on Sunday, His Majesty King Abdullah received a phone call from Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe, who expressed his country’s appreciation of His Majesty and the Kingdom for the efforts exerted to secure the release of the Japanese hostage.

He also expressed hope that Jordanian pilot Muath Kasasbeh, held by IS since December 24, would return safe to his country and family.

In addition, Abe stressed his country’s determination to bolster its “distinguished” ties with Jordan in all fields, especially in “fighting terrorism”, a Royal Court statement said.

The King also condemned the “criminal and coward act” of killing Goto, saying such a crime is rejected by all norms, laws and international conventions. The King also added that this act has nothing to do with Islam and its noble teachings.

His Majesty also thanked the Japanese premier for his sentiments towards the Jordanian pilot, stressing that all efforts in Jordan are geared towards securing his freedom.

Meanwhile, in a statement sent to The Jordan Times through his country’s embassy, Abe said Japan will never give in to terrorism.

“We will further expand our humanitarian assistance in the Middle East in areas such as food and medical care,” the premier said, adding that Japan will steadfastly fulfil its responsibility in the international community’s fight against terrorism.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh on Sunday extended condolences to his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida over the killing of Goto, almost one week after another Japanese hostage, Haruna Yukawa, was slain by the militant group.

In a phone call with Kishida, Judeh expressed Jordan’s condemnation of the murder of the two Japanese hostages in “cold blood”, noting that this “criminal and brutal act” is condemned by Islam.

Judeh, however, cited the deep historical ties between Jordan and Japan, and stressed the commitment towards bolstering them, especially after the recent visit of King Abdullah to Japan and the visit of the Japanese premier to Jordan a few weeks ago.

On his part, Kishida expressed his appreciation of Jordan for its cooperation during the crisis. He also stressed his country’s continuous support for the countries of the region and Jordan in all fields, including the war against terrorism.

Kasasbeh follow-up

Meanwhile, in a phone call with The Jordan Times, Momani, who is also minister of state for media affairs and communications, added that Jordan has not received any proof that Kasasbeh is still alive.

He added that contacts are still ongoing to obtain proof of life and to bring Kasasbeh back home.

Last Tuesday, IS released a video showing Goto, holding a picture of the Jordanian pilot who was taken hostage by the terrorist group, after his jet crashed in December, with a voice saying that he (Goto) and Kasasbeh would be killed if Jordan did not free convicted terrorist Sajida Rishawi within 24 hours.

In response, authorities say they would not swap the convict unless Jordan receives solid proof that Kasasbeh is alive.