Japan’s foreign ministry on Wednesday said it would close its embassy in

Japan’s foreign ministry on Wednesday said it would close its embassy in Syria, citing deteriorating security conditions amid a brutal crackdown on anti-government protestors.

A ministry statement said the embassy, which had already been reducing its operations since earlier this month, will continue to operate out of Japan’s diplomatic compound in neighboring Jordan.

The ministry added that Japan was continuing to urge its nationals to avoid travel to the violence-wracked nation.

A number of countries have already curtailed their diplomatic activities in Damascus, including the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Switzerland.

The Japanese embassy closure came as UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said Wednesday the organization was aiming to end the violence in Syria while starting political dialogue and providing humanitarian aid.

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Source AP