Tokyo, Rajab 23, 1439, April 09, 2018, SPA -- The Government of Japan is deeply concerned by the reports that chemical weapons were allegedly used in an airstrike near Syria’s capital Damascus, in Eastern Ghouta, taking the lives of many civilians. In a statement issued today, Japanese Foreign Press Secretary Norio Maruyama affirmed that the use of chemical weapons is not permissible under any circumstances. The Government of Japan strongly condemns this act if the use of chemical weapons is to be confirmed. "The Government of Japan calls upon relevant countries and organizations to promptly investigate the situation. The Government of Japan intends to coordinate with the international community to achieve the cessation of all violence, he added. --SPA 21:22 LOCAL TIME 18:22 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w663548