Reps salute Japan on Hamas stand

Thirteen members of Congress signed a letter commending Japan for withholding aid to Hamas until it renounces violence and accepts Israel.”Japan’s stand with the United States in reaffirming the conditions for assistance to the Hamas-dominated Palestinian Authority underscores the strong relationship between our two nations,” says the letter addressed to Japan’s ambassador to the United States, Ryozo Kato. “We thank you for strengthening the consensus of the Quartet and the current policy of the international community.” The letter, signed Monday, also notes Hamas’ responsibility for the deaths of several Asian citizens, including three Filipino and two Thai nationals killed in terrorist attacks in Israel.