YouSaid · the spoken record

Masahiko Koumura

lines on the record: 49
first: 1999-09-24
most recent: 2007-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“In connection with reform, let me remind Member States that world leaders took a major step forward in 2005 by resolving to delete the long- obsolete “enemy States” clauses from the United Nations Charter at the earliest opportunity (see resolution 60/1, para. 177). Next year, Japan will take centre stage in international efforts. At TICAD IV in Yokohama and the G-8 Summit at Tokyo, Japan will set forth principles for dealing with imminent international challenges. I hope to bring back solid results to New York a year from now. Let me conclude my remarks by renewing Japan’s unwavering commitment to work, in close cooperation with the United Nations, to change the world for the better.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The question is not what to expect of the United Nations, but how we may revitalize the Organization. We need to enhance the capacity of the United Nations to deal with new challenges. In addition to striving to implement Security Council reform, Japan will actively engage in efforts to strengthen the ability of the United Nations to maintain international peace and security. Japan also supports the ongoing endeavours to enable the United Nations system to work more coherently and effectively in the areas of development, humanitarian assistance, the environment and human rights. At the same time, we need to achieve concrete results in management reform.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“For the Security Council to live up to its expected responsibilities, we need to make it more representative and effective. I therefore renew Japan’s determination to pursue early reform of the Security Council, with the expansion of both the permanent and non-permanent membership. As has been reiterated time and time again, no reform of the United Nations will be complete without reform of the Security Council. The momentum for such reform, renewed by former Assembly President Al-Khalifa, must be strengthened as we enter the sixty-second session. All Member States must work together so that we can achieve concrete results through intergovernmental negotiations during this session. What is required today is not to wait for change, but to bring it about.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The issue of terrorism also requires sustained efforts as it becomes increasingly complex. In that regard, Japan welcomes the adoption of Security Council resolution 1776 (2007). For our own part, we will make efforts to continue our refuelling activities in the Indian Ocean to fulfil our role as a responsible member of the international community. Japan also supports the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (resolution 60/288). Furthermore, to strengthen the legal counter-terrorism framework I call upon every State to exercise the utmost flexibility for an early conclusion of the negotiations on a draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism. In the face of a variety of threats to international peace and security, the Security Council has come to play a more relevant role than ever before.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“It is now up to all of us to translate the will of the international community into concrete action through full implementation of the relevant resolutions. Japan will continue its efforts to achieve the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula through the Six-Party Talks. Japan will also continue to urge Iran to heed the unanimous voice of the international community and suspend its enrichment-related activities. Nuclear disarmament should receive no less attention. I reiterate here the determination of my country to reinforce international efforts for nuclear disarmament, as the only country in the world that has suffered nuclear devastation. Japan will again submit a draft resolution at this session of the General Assembly to map out concrete measures towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Japan will continue to work towards the resolution of this issue as well as the settlement of the issues of the unfortunate past through dialogue in accordance with the Pyongyang Declaration. With hope for an improvement of the human rights situation, Japan will also pursue the adoption of a draft resolution on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea at this session of the General Assembly. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery is another challenge that requires the undivided attention of humankind. From that point of view I welcome the Security Council’s adoption by consensus of a series of resolutions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Iran.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Behind those endeavours lies the conviction that the international community must cooperate in addressing international challenges based on such fundamental principles as freedom, human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The primary pillar of such fundamental values is respect for human dignity. The issue of abductions by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea poses a serious challenge to human dignity. It is essential that the international community send a strong message calling for the earliest resolution of the abduction issue so that the victims and their families may be reunited and have an opportunity to recapture their former happiness.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Japan demands that the Government of Myanmar make every effort to resolve the situation through dialogue. Along with democracy, the rule of law helps to lay the groundwork for peace and prosperity. To promote the rule of law in the international community, Japan will accede to the Statute of the International Criminal Court next month, and is helping to improve legal systems in developing countries. In February, in order to give proactive support to the norm-setting role of the United Nations, Japan signed the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and today I have signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“One concrete measure that has been taken is the launch of the Hiroshima Peacebuilders Centre to train civilian experts in Asia to better respond to various needs on the ground. Free and fair elections and democracy are also essential for the consolidation of peace. Japan spares no effort to provide assistance in order to promote democratization. Japan has dispatched election observer missions to a number of countries, including Timor-Leste and Sierra Leone. Japan has also provided election-related support and dispatched arms monitors to Nepal. It is extremely regrettable that the crackdown on the demonstrations in Myanmar has caused casualties, including the death of a Japanese citizen. Japan calls on the Government of Myanmar to exercise utmost restraint and to refrain from the use of oppressive force.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“To help in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, Japan has played a leading role in the field of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and the disbandment of illegal armed groups, working in close cooperation with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. Japan hosted the Conference on Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups in Tokyo in June this year to contribute to the rebuilding of Afghanistan through joint efforts with the United Nations. To build peace, it is essential for the international community to ensure a seamless and comprehensive effort to fulfil tasks ranging from resolving conflicts to assisting reconstruction. As current Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, Japan is resolved to make a significant contribution to such international efforts.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Japan also welcomes the establishment of the African Union- United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur and looks forward to its early deployment as well as to steady progress in the political process in Darfur. Japan intends to further enhance its contribution for the consolidation of peace and stability in Africa. Peace paves the way for development and human security. However, achieving peace is not an easy task. Iraq, for example, is struggling to achieve security and reconciliation, and the foundation for peace remains weak. Japan has been assisting the reconstruction efforts of the Iraqi people by measures such as dispatching its Self-Defence Forces and providing official development assistance of up to $5 billion.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“TICAD, whose first meeting was held in 1993, is a process open to all. The TICAD process places particular importance on African ownership and true partnership with the international community. The three areas that I have just mentioned will be the focus of the discussion at TICAD IV, which will be a fresh opportunity to mobilize the knowledge and resources of the international community for African development. South-South cooperation between Asia and Africa will remain a key feature in the TICAD process. Without peace in Africa, the world at large will not enjoy peace and prosperity. Japan cannot ignore the situation in Darfur. Faced with the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, Japan has provided assistance amounting to approximately $85 million.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Africa as a whole is now undergoing positive change. Peace is being consolidated in several former conflict areas. Meanwhile, many countries, both with and without natural resources, are growing robustly. For Africa to become a more vibrant continent, a continent of greater hope and opportunity, three things are particularly important in addition to the prevention and resolution of conflicts. First and foremost, economic growth must be enhanced and sustained. Secondly, human security needs to be ensured through the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the consolidation of peace and the establishment of democratic governance. Finally, the issues of the environment and climate change must be addressed. Japan will host the fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) in Yokohama in May 2008.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“At the same time, each and every one of us needs to move forward from mere ideas and reconfigure our own way of life. Japan is promoting a new national campaign aimed at reducing the carbon dioxide emissions of individual households, in addition to the introduction of the Cool Biz casual dress code initiative. The spirit of mottainai rejecting wastefulness and the Three Rs initiative to reduce, reuse and recycle waste also contribute to this aim. It is my intention to globally broaden the campaign to restructure our lifestyles. To that end, my Government values exchanges with corporations, academics, non-governmental organizations and various other actors in public forums, while at the same time cooperating with the United Nations Global Compact. Another priority area for Japan is African development.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We need to tackle climate change without pause up to and beyond 2012. In this regard, I highly commend the political commitment expressed by world leaders at the high-level event held on 24 September under the initiative of the Secretary-General. Japan for its part will contribute to the negotiations for an international agreement through the Group of Eight (G-8) Hokkaido-Toyako Summit to be held next year, and will feed the results back into the United Nations process. Japan has gained in international competitiveness by improving energy efficiency and decreasing oil consumption during a period in which its gross domestic product (GDP) doubled. We are ready to share our technologies and experience, which hold the key to achieving environmental preservation, energy security and economic growth in tandem.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Now is the time for all of us to take action for future generations, giving special consideration to vulnerable countries. Let us leave behind discord and division among nations and shift gears to combine our efforts in order to face this common challenge. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has indicated that the fact of global warming is unequivocal, so world leaders have the responsibility to make bold new political decisions to address this growing challenge. With such responsibility in mind, Japan presented a new proposal on climate change in May and has proposed that we collectively embrace a long-term vision for developing innovative technologies and building a low-carbon society. Japan has also called for a mid-term strategy for a new framework that includes all major emitters of greenhouse gases.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“It is no coincidence that, given the current international environment, Japan also has embarked on a proactive foreign policy. With our approaches thus in harmony, Japan and the United Nations can and must work together. In my remarks this evening I will emphasize two areas in which the cooperation between the two actors may be optimized: climate change and African development. I will also touch on the need for United Nations reform, notably the reform of the Security Council, so that the United Nations may address those missions effectively. In the era of globalization, the international community has come to face new challenges that reach across borders. In particular, climate change will be a crisis for all humanity, not only the people of today but also the generations of the future.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“First, let me join other speakers in congratulating you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixty-second session. I should also like to pay high tribute to Her Excellency Sheikha Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa for her leadership during the previous session. My great appreciation goes as well to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his dedication and initiative in addressing the many challenges confronting the United Nations. In the face of new challenges, the United Nations needs to transform itself from forum to actor. The demands of the twenty-first century call for the creation of a United Nations that is proactive. I commend the Secretary-General’s determination to bring about this change.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The efforts which Member States make during the one-year period to come could very well determine the viability of the United Nations in the coming century. I would like, therefore, to conclude my remarks by calling upon all Member States to cooperate with each other in pursuing the common interests of the international community as a whole.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Nevertheless, progress towards reform is far from satisfactory. The amount of time that has been expended in discussions so far tells of the difficulty that lies in the way of reforming an organization. We must recognize at the very core of our being that if we fail to strengthen the United Nations through reforms, international trust in the Organization will be undermined. This would not only destroy the United Nations, but would be suicidal to all the Member States and the international community as a whole. The Millennium Assembly and the Millennium Summit, scheduled for next year, will provide an occasion on which the United Nations can demonstrate to the world that it is capable of effectively tackling the issues that the international community will face in the twenty-first century.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Japan attaches importance to the role that the United Nations, especially the Economic and Social Council, plays in this area, and is determined, if it is elected this year, to work as a member of the Council towards strengthening the activities of the United Nations in such areas as the coordination between the United Nations agencies, the promotion of dialogue with Bretton Woods institutions and the broad participation by civil society in activities in this area, and coordination of these activities. We have already devoted a significant amount of time to the discussion of United Nations reform. Today there is a common recognition throughout the international community that the reform of the United Nations is necessary. Indeed, there is not a single country that is opposed to reform per se.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“However, as the Security Council reform has not been realized, and as the necessary budgetary reforms have yet to be carried out, one cannot but question the fairness of a situation in which Japan is expected to pay an assessed contribution that exceeds the sum of the contributions made by four of the permanent members of the Security Council, not including the United States. Third, it is necessary for the United Nations to strengthen its efforts in the economic and social area, including development. The Organization is expected to obtain the active participation of various actors in addressing problems in the economic and social area, and effectively coordinate their efforts.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Towards that end, it is essential that the Security Council be re-created to reflect the present international situation, with reform of the composition of both its permanent and non-permanent membership. Japan would like to assume greater responsibilities as a permanent member of the Security Council. 16 Second, there is an urgent need for reforms to place the United Nations on a sound financial base. It is necessary for Member States to fulfil their obligation to pay their assessed contributions, and for the United Nations to work to further control its budget. Despite the severe economic and financial situations, Japan has been faithfully fulfilling its obligation to pay its assessed contribution and has been making substantial contributions to the United Nations and related organizations.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In as much as many issues today require efforts of the international community as a whole, and as there is no other universal and comprehensive institution that can replace the United Nations, our only recourse is to reform and strengthen the United Nations, so that it will be capable of dealing with the issues adequately. From this viewpoint, I would like in particular to make the following three points. The first is the need for Security Council reform. During the 50 or so years since the end of the Second World War, the international situation has undergone dramatic changes. Given those changes, the functions of the Security Council, as the body primarily responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security, need to be strengthened.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“On the initiative of Prime Minister Obuchi, Japan established the Human Security Fund within the United Nations to support the activities of international organizations and to promote human security. Japan recently announced its contribution of $100 million for reconstruction and assistance for the return of refugees in Kosovo, and it will implement that assistance through the Human Security Fund and other sources. It cannot be said that the efforts of the United Nations to address the issues that will confront the international community in the twenty-first century are sufficient. Nevertheless, it is not right to claim that the United Nations is incapable of addressing those issues adequately, and therefore disregard it. Neither is it right to simply deplore any attempt to disregard the Organization.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“From this standpoint, we consider that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization will play an even more important role in the coming century. Japan has been stressing the importance of addressing the various issues I have just mentioned by focusing efforts on human security, that is, the protection of the dignity and life of every person against the many threats posed, for example, by poverty; the outflow of refugees; environmental issues; infectious diseases, such as AIDS; human rights violations; international organized crime, including human and drug trafficking; conflicts; anti-personnel landmines and small arms; and terrorism. Last June Japan hosted the International Symposium on Development, at which the issue of how to encourage the self-reliance of individuals to escape from poverty was discussed.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We are also concerned that globalization may aggravate such problems as environmental destruction, international organized crime, drug, terrorism and the spread of infectious diseases. These global issues, which transcend national borders and pose direct threats to each and every person, need to be dealt with by the international community as a whole. It is necessary that we adopt policies that give consideration to women, children and others, who are most susceptible to the effect of these global issues. Although globalization also engenders creativity by facilitating interaction among various cultures and different value systems, due consideration also needs to be paid to the cultural diversity of the world.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“With regard to the advancement of globalization, while taking advantage of the new opportunities it provides for the revitalization of the world economy, the improvement in living standards, the creation of jobs, and development, we must also address its negative effects, such as the growing instability in international finance and the widening gap between the rich and the poor. Japan is steadily carrying out financial assistance measures totaling approximately $80 billion, including the New Miyazawa Initiative — by far the largest package of assistance provided by one country — for the East Asian countries which were hard hit by the economic crisis. We strongly expect the economic recovery of the region to resume and that a sound and sustainable development of the world economy will be achieved.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The international community must take prompt and concerted action in responding to large-scale natural disasters, as clearly underscored by our experience with the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Greece, last year’s hurricanes in Latin America and the tsunami in Papua New Guinea. The United Nations is required to play a more active role in this endeavour. Moreover, efforts in the area of natural-disaster reduction need to be strengthened. Recognizing the importance of natural disaster reduction in the context of development policy and environmental issues, Japan will promote efforts in this field.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The development of landlocked States, which are also geographically disadvantaged, is important as well. The promotion of the implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and the Programme of Action adopted at the World Summit for Social Development in 1995 will be discussed next year at a follow-up special session. The General Assembly special session entitled “Women 2000” will also be held next year in order to further promote the results of the 1995 Fourth World 15 Conference on Women. Building upon the achievements of these special sessions, Japan intends to contribute actively to international cooperative endeavours in these areas. This is the final year of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Japan has provided assistance through debt rescheduling and grant aid for debt relief, and will take comprehensive measures to deal with the debt problem, including the steady implementation of the commitment made at the G-8 summit meeting in Cologne. Important conferences, such as special sessions of the General Assembly, are being held successively in the areas of economic and social development and human rights. The General Assembly’s special session on population and development was held this June, at which meaningful proposals for future action were adopted. The sustainable development of small island developing States, which are susceptible to the effects of climate change and are also geographically vulnerable, is the very important subject of the twenty-second special session to begin on 27 September.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Japan will remain actively engaged with the issue of poverty in Africa through follow-up efforts for the implementation of the Agenda for Action, such as the debt- management seminar which Japan co-organized with the United Nations and others last month in Kenya. Japan has been the world’s largest donor of official development assistance since 1991. Despite the severity of its domestic budgetary situation, it will continue to extend effective, efficient and high-quality official development assistance and will tackle poverty problems through the further promotion of cooperation with the relevant organizations of the United Nations. Debt problems are making it extremely difficult for debtor nations, especially the poorest countries, to achieve development.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Indeed, poverty should be recognized as the primary issue of the twenty-first century, and it is incumbent upon various players, such as the United Nations, other international organizations, States and civil society, to cooperate towards its eradication. At the Second Tokyo International Conference on African Development, which was co-organized by Japan, the United Nations and others last October, the Tokyo Agenda for Action was adopted, which encourages African countries to take initiatives on their own; calls for the strengthening of cooperation between African countries and developed countries as well as international organizations; and calls for the promotion of cooperation between Asia and Africa.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In particular, Japan will work towards the early conclusion of negotiations on the protocol to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction. With regard to the North Korean missile issue, Japan appreciates and welcomes the important progress achieved in the recent United States-North Korea talks. Japan strongly hopes that North Korea’s moratorium on missile launching is further assured. Poverty continues to be a serious issue in many regions of the world. There is a vicious cycle in which the frequent occurrence of regional conflicts exacerbates the problem of poverty, while poverty in turn causes the occurrence and recurrence of regional conflicts.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Every year since 1994, it has submitted to the General Assembly a resolution on nuclear disarmament with a view to the ultimate elimination of nuclear weapons. Late last July, the Tokyo Forum on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, which was established at Japan’s initiative, issued its report, which we believe provides a realistic guideline for progress in nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. Japan would like to consult actively with other countries with a view to implementing the meaningful recommendations contained in the report. The importance of addressing the issue of weapons of mass destruction other than nuclear weapons, such as biological and chemical weapons, as well as the issue of delivery vehicles, including missiles, is beyond discussion.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Japan calls upon the nuclear-weapon and the non- nuclear-weapon States alike to take constructive actions 14 to ensure the successful convening of the Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT next spring. Japan also calls upon the States that have not yet done so to promptly sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty so that it can enter into force as soon as possible, and appeals to every country to respect the moratorium on nuclear testing. Further, it is also important to reactivate the START process and promptly to commence the negotiations on the fissile material cut-off treaty. Japan has consistently called for realistic measures for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Japan has contributed financial assistance of more than $40 million to international and non-governmental organizations and will continue to strive to achieve the goal of “zero victims” at an early date. With regard to the issue of refugees and displaced persons, Japan highly commends the activities of UNHCR and others and intends to continue to actively cooperate with them. Since the end of the cold war, international efforts have achieved certain results with respect to the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, and their delivery vehicles — namely, missiles — as well as arms reduction. Yet the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) regime has been challenged by the nuclear testing or secret development of weapons of mass destruction conducted by some States.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Japan looks forward to working with other countries for the implementation of those recommendations. Japan will also actively contribute to the successful convening of the international conference on small arms to be held by the end of 2001. On the issue of anti-personnel landmines, with the entry into force last March of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, it is now necessary to achieve a universal and effective ban on anti-personnel landmines and to clear the mine areas, while extending assistance to mine victims, among whom are many children.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“As regards conflict prevention, I wish to commend the Organization of African Unity for already launching efforts to establish an early warning system, and, as regards Asia, I would like to commend the ministerial meeting of the Regional Forum of the Association of South-East Asian Nations for its decision last July to discuss concretely how preventive diplomacy might be dealt with. Next, I would like to touch upon three issues that are commonly observed in regions in conflict: small arms, anti-personnel landmines, and refugees and displaced persons. In its efforts to cope with the small arms issue, Japan strongly hopes that the General Assembly will adopt a resolution at this session promoting the recommendations of the report of the Secretary-General drafted by the Panel of Governmental Experts on Small Arms.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The situation of refugees and displaced persons in and outside East Timor causes serious concern. Japan has announced the contribution of a total of $2 million to the activities of UNHCR and the World Food Programme. In addition, it intends to positively consider further assistance after taking into consideration a report from the Government mission now in the region, along with other factors. Furthermore, Japan, in the medium and long term, also intends to provide appropriate assistance for the reconstruction and development of East Timor.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“It recently dispatched a study mission to explore possible concrete assistance projects. Turning our attention to Asia, we hope that security in East Timor will be restored at the earliest possible date, through the activities of the multinational force working in coordination with the Government of Indonesia and with the Indonesian armed forces. This force is now starting to be deployed on the basis of the Security Council resolution adopted on 15 September. Japan has already announced that it will extend a substantial financial contribution to the multinational force. It is making this contribution with the intention of facilitating the participation of developing countries in the effort. Japan will decide the amount of its contribution after the whole picture of the multinational force becomes clear.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In addition to these efforts, it has become important to ensure the security of personnel who are engaged in humanitarian or development assistance activities. In Africa, the United Nations is cooperating in efforts to bring peace in situations of conflict, such as in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sierra Leone, and in the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Japan will consider extending assistance to the efforts of the United Nations as well as to the reconstruction efforts of the countries concerned. We think that efforts to tackle poverty in Africa also contribute to the prevention of conflicts in the region. With regard to Kosovo, Japan has provided the United Nations Mission in Kosovo with personnel and is actively extending financial support in such areas as humanitarian and reconstruction assistance.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“First, it is important to take a comprehensive approach, which includes conflict prevention and resolution, peacekeeping and peace-building, and the elimination of potential causes of conflict, such as poverty. Secondly, it is necessary to deal with conflicts in a manner that is suitable to the situation in each region. These two points were also made in the report of the Secretary-General entitled “The causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa” (A/52/871), which was issued last year. Thirdly, as 13 regards peace-building, it is necessary that international assistance, from post-conflict emergency humanitarian assistance to long-term development aid, be implemented seamlessly.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In Africa, conflicts continue in many regions. Although peace has been restored in Kosovo, the conflict there left deep scars on local communities in the region and on the hearts of the people, demonstrating once again the importance of conflict prevention. Furthermore, numerous challenges exist on the path towards future reconstruction. There are persistent tensions in Asia. While various conflicts have been resolved in Latin America, there is still work to be done to achieve stable post-conflict development, including the development of and the clearing of landmines in the border region between Peru and Ecuador, who reached a peace agreement on their border dispute last year. Regarding the efforts to deal with conflicts, I would like to emphasize the following three points.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Fully recognizing the significance of the Organization, the people of Japan regarded their country’s admission to membership of the United Nations as their country’s reinstatement in international society after the Second World War. They have been supporting and contributing to the activities of the United Nations ever since. There is, however, still much to be done by the United Nations in such areas as the prevention and resolution of conflicts and poverty alleviation. It is also important to have fresh viewpoints, including that of human security, in addressing such new issues as those relating to globalization and other global matters. These are the issues we will be passing along to the twenty-first century. One of the most important issues that the United Nations must continue to address is conflict.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In the economic and social area, the United Nations, along with its specialized agencies, has raised issues, set standards and implemented those standards in every field, including development, the environment, human rights, science and culture. In the area of development, in addition to efforts undertaken through its programmes and funds, including the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations has achieved certain results in coordinating the assistance activities of the international community. The United Nations has, furthermore, played a decisive role in assessing the public opinion of global society. We should hold in high regard such efforts of the United Nations.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In the area of peace and security, during the cold-war era, the ability of the Security Council to cope with conflicts was severely restricted. Even under such circumstances, however, the United Nations made creative efforts, such as peacekeeping operations, and achieved certain results in the Middle East and elsewhere. Since the end of the cold war, the number of peacekeeping operations that has been dispatched has increased dramatically, and their mandates have become diversified. Their activities bore fruit, for example, in Cambodia and Mozambique. Regarding the issues of refugees and displaced persons created by conflicts, the humanitarian assistance activities of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and others are highly appreciated.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“I also express my deep concern regarding the grave damage caused by the earthquake that occurred in Taiwan early in the morning of 21 September, and extend my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to those who have suffered from the disaster. This is the last session of the General Assembly before the Millennium Assembly is convened next year. During the one-year period to come, we must identify the issues, such as conflicts and poverty, which the international community will face in the twenty-first century and find an answer to what role the United Nations should play in addressing these issues. Since its founding in 1945, the United Nations has been dealing with issues of world peace and security, as well as economic and social issues, including development.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, 12 Foreign Minister of the Republic of Namibia, on his assumption of the office of President of the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session. I would also like to pay my respects to Mr. Didier Opertti Badán, Foreign Minister of Uruguay, for all his efforts during his tenure as President of the General Assembly at its fifty-third session. It is also my great pleasure to welcome the admission of the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga as new Members of the United Nations. Permit me on this occasion to extend my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the people of the Republic of Turkey and the people of Greece, who have suffered greatly as a result of the recent earthquakes in those countries.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)