YouSaid · the spoken record

Bessho

lines on the record: 853
first: 2016-06-29
most recent: 2019-10-29
sittings or episodes: 176
sources: un-security-council

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

“Japan fully agrees on the importance of implementing the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015), and will continue to strongly support both. One of the most visible examples of the support we provide to the implementation of the JCPOA is our cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which verifies and monitors that Iran's nuclear programme is being used exclusively for peaceful purposes. Japan has announced that it will provide assistance through the IAEA for the purposes of implementing nuclear safety and safeguards commitments. The IAEA is playing an invaluable role in that regard, and we offer our full support. The international community has wholeheartedly backed the implementation of the nuclear- and JCPOA- related elements of resolution 2231 (2015).”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7865 (2017) · source
“Ijoin with others in paying tribute to and thanking Ambassador Samantha Power for the tireless dedication with which she has tackled the numerous difficulties that the world faces. It has indeed been a pleasure working with Ambassador Power, even if for only six months in my case. I would like to thank the three briefers for their detailed reports on this important topic. Two days ago, we marked the first anniversary of efforts to commence the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and the launch of meetings on resolution 2231 (2015) at the Security Council. We are encouraged by the very positive statements made by JCPOA members over the past few days and today, reaffirming their strong commitment to respect and implement the agreement.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7865 (2017) · source
“I firmly believe that a peaceful environment enables such an exchange of Views and mutual understanding. Recently, I heard from Mr. Pierre Krahenbiihl, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, that young people in Gaza have extremely limited opportunity to exit Gaza, much less to interact with Israelis. I recognize the importance of continuing this programme. In conclusion, Japan reiterates that peace is achieved only through direct negotiations between the parties. I urge both sides to make a decision for peace. Alongside support for political dialogue, Japan will continue to promote confidence-building that enables such dialogue and to offer economic assistance that keeps a two-State solution viable.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“That augments our previous assistance to those schools and underlines our commitment to future generations. On confidence-building, Japan promotes regional cooperation in the agricultural sector with Israel, Jordan and Palestine, which enhances mutual trust and the development of agriculture in Palestine. At the grass- roots level, we invited 10 future leaders of Israel and Palestine to Japan last month as part of the programme we have been running for 20 years. The participants spent time together, familiarizing themselves with the history of Japan's post-war reconciliation and development, while exchanging views and developing mutual understanding among themselves. One participant from Palestine commented that it was the first time he had an opportunity to talk to Israelis other than soldiers.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Japan also welcomes the powerful call of United States Secretary of State Kerry on Israel and Palestine to make the difficult choice for peace. The determination shown by the new Secretary-General at the open debate last week (see S/PV.7857) to actively engage in mediation and peace-making is a hopeful sign. Turning to economic assistance, the Jericho Agro Industrial Park - which Japan has promoted for the past 10 years, together with Palestine, Israel and Jordan - will increasingly contribute to the Palestinian economy and the building of trust in the region. We must also remember the importance of investing in future generations. Last November, Japan initiated a technical assistance programme to revise math and science texts and curricula in Palestine.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Given those impediments to the peace process, what can we do? Japan is undertaking a three-part approach involving political dialogue, confidence-building and economic assistance to the Palestinians. Japan believes that dialogue is the only way to achieve peace and calls upon both parties to resume direct negotiations. Japan appreciates the various initiatives undertaken by the relevant parties. We welcome the joint communique issued at the ministerial-level Middle East Peace Conference hosted by France on 15 January, underscoring international support for a negotiated solution, with two States living side by side in peace and security. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kentaro Sonoura attended the meeting on behalf of Japan, outlining our efforts to date his his statement.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Those activities physically erode a two-State solution. Unity among Palestinians is also important. Preparations are under way for the first session of the Palestinian National Council in 20 years. Japan hopes that the Council will be inclusive, promote unity and bolster efforts to achieve a two-State solution. In Gaza, the humanitarian situation is dire. People suffer from a severe lack of electricity, water and places to live. Those hopeless conditions are ruining peace efforts and feeding radicalism, and do not benefit either side. Assistance from the United Nations and other humanitarian institutions is vital and their political space must be maintained. Furthermore, we call for the easing and eventual lifting of the Gaza blockade, while duly taking security concerns into account.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Little progress has been seen in the Middle East peace process and future prospects are dim. Japan rejects all acts, incitement and glorification ofviolence. Terrorist attacks, such as the vehicular attack on 8 January, cannot be justified for any reason, and Japan firmly condemns such acts of terrorism. At the same time, the disproportionate use of force by Israel is also a concern. Persistent violence leads people from both sides to lose faith in the two-State solution. Japan reiterates its firm position that settlement activities are in violation of international law, and Israel must immediately freeze such activities. Japan has on various occasions urged Israel to reconsider its policy. Nevertheless, house demolitions continue in 2017, with over 70 buildings destroyed in the first week of January alone.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Mladenov for his briefing. I would like to begin by welcoming the adoption of resolution 2334 (2016) last December. With the two-State solution immediately in jeopardy, it was important for the Security Council to demonstrate a clear commitment to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace. The resolution demands that Israel cease settlement activities. It also calls for immediate steps to prevent violence against civilians and for collective efforts to launch negotiations. Iwould like to stress that the resolution must be taken as a whole. The cessation of settlement activities will not bring about peace on its own, and all other efforts must also contribute to the relaunch of political dialogue. Japan calls upon the relevant parties to show commitment to the resolution.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“It is equally vital that the countries in the region demonstrate ownership of the socioeconomic development activities in their communities over the long term. Japan supports the proposed Security Council mission to the region aimed at assessing the situation in the Lake Chad basin region and hopes that it will result in useful discussions with the regional stakeholders and demonstrate the keen awareness of the Council of the crisis.”
2017-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7861 (2017) · source
“As tragically illustrated by the attacks on soldiers in Diffa on 31 December, the region must, however, remain vigilant against insurgents, who are still capable of attacking villages and military installations. Along with the progress in military operations, the long-term socioeconomic development challenges also require persistent attention. As noted by the President of Nigeria during the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa, which was held in December last year, reducing youth unemployment promotes stabilization and discourages recruitment by Boko Haram. We must not allow Boko Haram to continue to poison young people, who are among the most precious assets of Africa. The Council needs to mobilize comprehensive responses to the complex issues affecting the Lake Chad basin region and work towards sustaining peace.”
2017-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7861 (2017) · source
“In the light of the large gender impact of the Boko Haram crisis, we have also been supporting the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women's Gender-Responsive Humanitarian Action and Assistance of Women and Girls Affected by Boko Haram Terrorism in Diffa, the Niger, since last year. We hope to do more. But obviously, the scope and intricacy of the challenges facing the region require more than humanitarian assistance. The continuous efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force and other military operations by countries in the region have significantly contained Boko Haram and dislodged them from their former strongholds.”
2017-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7861 (2017) · source
“Ithank Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Zerihoun and Ms. Askira for their important briefings. Years of violence by Boko Haram have profoundly undermined peace, security and livelihoods in the Lake Chad basin region. The ongoing hit-and-run attacks by Boko Haram have displaced millions of people, disrupting agricultural activities and access to basic services. As indicated by our briefers today, the humanitarian crisis in the region has unfortunately become even worse since the previous briefing in July 2016 (see S/PV.7748). Japan has focused its financial assistance to the Lake Chad basin region on humanitarian assistance and the strengthening of social stability. On the bilateral front, we announced approximately $3 million in food assistance to the Niger in December 2016.”
2017-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7861 (2017) · source
“As a member ofthe Council and ofthe ISSG, Japan reiterates its determination to contribute responsibly to addressing the situation in Syria. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Spain for its excellent presidency this month. I would also like to thank the five outgoing non-permanent members for their assiduous efforts in the Council during their two-year terms.”
2016-12-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7855 (2016) · source
“We urge the Syrian Government to take measures to allow immediate and unhindered access. Japan calls upon the guarantors of the cessation of hostilities to elaborate monitoring mechanisms with the United Nations and the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) task force. We take note of the serious concern about the possibility of further attacks on civilians in all areas of Syria. Japan urges Russia and Turkey, as guarantors, to fully address these concerns. As prescribed in paragraph 3 of the resolution, we look forward to the Astana meeting to be held in January. Japan hopes the meeting will have the participation of key regional stakeholders and will meaningfully contribute to Special Envoy De Mistura's formal political process.”
2016-12-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7855 (2016) · source
“Japan welcomes the unanimous adoption ofresolution 2336 (2016). Japan also welcomes the efforts of the Russian Federation and Turkey to bring about a nationwide cessation of hostilities. Japan supported the draft resolution because we hope that the cessation of hostilities across Syria can open a path to the fundamental improvement of the devastating humanitarian situation there. As with resolution 2328 (2016), adopted unanimously two weeks ago (see S/PV.7841), the United Nations should coordinate humanitarian assistance efforts under this cessation of hostilities. We do not want to hear any more reports by the United Nations or other implementing partners of obstructions or delays in gaining access to besieged or hard-to-reach areas by the Syrian Government.”
2016-12-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7855 (2016) · source
“I would like to conclude by stressing that Japan will continue to engage in this matter both in and out of the Council in order to facilitate the peace process with a view to achieving a two-State solution.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7853 (2016) · source
“Japan is deeply concerned about the current stagnation in the peace process and alarmed that a two-State solution may be slipping from our reach. We have been consistent in our position that settlement activity is in violation of international law and that it has been steadily eroding the viability of a two-State solution. With that in mind, Japan voted in favour of resolution 2334 (2016). It is important that the parties commit themselves to the resolutionjust adopted so as to make meaningful progress in the Middle East peace process. The Council also must reaffirm its commitment to a two-State solution and support the parties to that end. Japan remains firm in its belief that peace in the region can be realized only through negotiations and will not recognize any unilateral change by either party that may prejudge the final resolution.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7853 (2016) · source
“J apan's abstention today should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the status quo or an attitude of wait-and- see. The Council should remain seized of the matter.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7850 (2016) · source
“Our Prime Minister's special envoy visited Juba just this week to urge action by the South Sudanese leadership, including President Kiir, on those issues. We will continue to make such efforts. Japan remains strongly committed to the well-being of the people of South Sudan and to the country's long-term development. Japan will continue to contribute to South Sudan's peace and security. Concrete actions on the part of the Transitional Government are key. The international community, including the Security Council, will closely monitor the situation on the ground. We should also recall resolution 2327 (2016), including paragraph 10, which the Council adopted unanimously. Japan decided to abstain on today's draft resolution for the aforementioned reasons.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7850 (2016) · source
“What is absolutely necessary is for the Transitional Government to swiftly translate those commitments into concrete actions in order to prevent large-scale violence and for it to cooperate fully with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, including by expediting the deployment of the Regional Protection Force. Japan believes that it would be counterproductive to introduce additional sanctions measures at a time when the Transitional Government is making some positive moves. The Council must continue to engage with the Transitional Government. Japan believes that there is still room for diplomatic efforts aimed at urging the Transitional Government to make further progress. All the parties and actors can play a significant role, individually or collectively.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7850 (2016) · source
“Japan shares the deep concern regarding the ongoing violence and the serious humanitarian situation in South Sudan. It should be noted, however, that there has been some progress since late November, most notably the 25 November decision by the Council of Ministers of the Transitional Government, which consented to the full and immediate deployment of the Regional Protection Force, and President Kiir's 14 December speech to the Parliament on an inclusive national dialogue. We are encouraged by the demonstration of political will by the President. Such commitments would be meaningless if their implementation were delayed, and, in that case, it is the South Sudanese people who would suffer.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7850 (2016) · source
“In that regard, Japan attaches great importance to the assistance provided by the relevant entities, such as UNDOC and the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence, including on legislation and law enforcement. We expect them to make further progress and we strongly support their critical work. In concluding, I would like to reaffirm Japan's commitment to contributing to the efforts of all to combat the trafficking of persons in conflict.”
2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source
“Furthermore, the resolution expresses the Council's intention to integrate this issue into the work of the relevant sanctions committees, in accordance with their mandates, to invite the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and on Children and Armed Conflict to brief those committees. I am confident that such steps will enable us to move forward effectively. Japan acknowledges that the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocol on trafficking in persons are essential as an international framework to combat trafficking in persons. It is necessary to ensure that the spirit of the Convention is reflected in national laws of Member States and effectively implemented.”
2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source
“The international community is responsible for removing this threat by holding those who engage in such activities accountable. The briefings heard by the Council today, especially from Ms. Nadia Murad Basee Taha, convince us of the urgent need to take action to combat this problem. In order to accurately recognize and address the situation effectively, the Security Council needs to have relevant information. This resolution promotes information-sharing in the Council by requesting the Secretary-General to report on trafficking in persons in armed conflict and by welcoming briefings to be submitted to the Council by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC) and other relevant actors.”
2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source
“Japan welcomes the resolution, which makes it clear that trafficking in persons is connected to sexual violence, terrorism and other international organized criminal activities and also that it exemplifies how trafficking in persons in armed conflict and sexual violence can be and is used as a tactic by certain terrorist groups. Trafficking in persons in conflict situations is a violation of human dignity and human rights, but it does not stop there. It is being used more and more systematically, sometimes accompanied by sexual violence, by terrorist groups and non-State actors as a tool for fundraising, recruitment and the destruction of communities. In such cases it poses serious threats to international peace and security.”
2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source
“I thank you, Mr. Mariano Rajoy Brey, President of the Government of Spain, for convening this important meeting and for presiding over it yourself. My thanks also go to our briefers, who have spoken clearly on concrete crimes, with striking power and courage to reveal these attacks against human dignity that taking place even now on the ground. Japan welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2331 (2016), which is the very first resolution of the Council to address trafficking in persons in conflict. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the strong leadership of Spain in guiding us towards this goal.”
2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source
“Both the international community and the National Unity Government must translate their commitments into action in order to achieve those concrete results. If security is strengthened, it will provide a vital foundation for regional cooperation and economic development. Japan will deepen dialogue with various stakeholders and seek progress in the Council going forward.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“Afghanistan possesses the potential for self- reliance, making its dire security situation all the more unfortunate. The unstable environment impedes opportunities for development, while we see dangerous signs of growing extremism. Japan provides $130 million in security assistance each year, but the increased capacity of the ANDSF will depend not only on international support but also on strengthened governance by the National Unity Government, built on a foundation of economic development. Most of all, we firmly believe that an Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process is the determining factor in achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict The many countries that gathered for the Brussels Conference are eager to witness concrete progress in development. Similarly, the Council is eager to witness concrete progress in security.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“Today's briefing by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reminds us that comprehensive solutions are required for Afghanistan. Japan has been cooperating with UNODC on counter- narcotics, and we are encouraged by its integrated programme approach to addressing narcotics from a variety of angles. Afghanistan is at its core an agricultural nation. We are providing support to allow Afghanistan to fight poverty not with poppies, but with the revival of its legitimate agricultural sector. We envision regional cooperation in which Afghanistan's expanded agricultural productivity allows it to export products to neighbouring countries and to become a hub between Central Asia and the Indian Ocean. That approach is in the spirit of the recent Heart of Asia Conference.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“The Council should remain united in supporting Afghanistan as it endeavours to overcome its many challenges. Sadly, the Secretary-General's most recent report on Afghanistan (S/2016/1049) reveals harsh realities. Few improvements have been seen in terms of political developments and security. A positive note can be seen in the frequent meetings between President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah, as well as the lessening of public demands to replace the National Unity Government. We have listened carefully to the briefing by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Yamamoto in order to determine what the Council can do to further support Afghanistan and bring peace and stability to the region.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“At the Brussels Conference in October, the international community pledged to continue assistance to Afghanistan for the next four years based on the principle of mutual accountability. We sincerely hope that Afghanistan will soon achieve self-reliance to the point where donors no longer need to announce multi-year pledges. We urge the National Unity Government to make further efforts to implement its commitments regarding the Self-Reliance through Mutual Accountability Framework.I would like to note, however, that the role ofthe Security Council is not to oversee progress on the Framework. What we can do is monitor Afghanistan's continued reform efforts and its initiatives to combat the spread of extremism, and evaluate whether they are contributing to international and regional peace and security.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“Allow me to thank today's briefers for their comprehensive updates on the situation in Afghanistan. I would also like to thank you, Mr. President, for Spain's contribution as penholder in our discussions on Afghanistan over the past two years. Japan will try to make a meaningful contribution as penholder, starting in January, by seeking a broad range of opinions from our Council colleagues, Afghanistan, the countries of the area, donors and civil society. We witnessed two crucial international conferences on Afghanistan this year. At the NATO Summit in July, the international community reaffirmed its commitment to standing with the Afghan people on security matters by providing financial support to the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) through the end of 2020 and sustaining the Resolute Support Mission beyond 2016.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“Japan appreciates the efforts made by the various parties and is ready to constructively engage in those initiatives. The Secretary-General noted that the Council has adopted only two resolutions concerning the Middle East peace process over the past 10 years. It is disappointing to be reminded that we are still addressing the same issues that those resolutions aimed to deal with. It is important for the Council to send a united message to the parties to reaffirm the commitment to peace. Japan believes that the message to be sent should be effective, unequivocal and meaningful, and contribute to promoting the peace process together with other initiatives. Japan stands ready to work with other Council members to that end.”
2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7839 (2016) · source
“We firmly believe that the issues surrounding the peace process should, first and foremost, be resolved through direct negotiations. We are deeply disturbed by the continuing violence between the two sides. Although the degree of violence has been relatively low in the past few weeks, its root causes have not been addressed. The persisting acts of violence from both parties are fundamentally incompatible with a peaceful solution. It is important that leaders on both sides take steps to prevent violence and incitements to violence, and show credible commitment to the peace process. There is broad agreement within the Council on the urgent need to save the prospects of a two- State solution. Japan supports initiatives that benefit the Middle East peace process.”
2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7839 (2016) · source
“I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. Japan appreciates the dedication shown by the Secretary-General in promoting the Middle East peace process. The briefing by the Secretary-General today was a sad reminder that we have been unable to deal with the persisting issues blocking peace and the two-State solution in the region for the past 10 years. Japan's position is that it will not recognize any unilateral change by either party that may prejudice the final resolution. In that regard, Japan reiterates that settlement activities are in violation of international law and urges Israel to completely freeze such activities. We are deeply concerned about the recent advancement of legislation that would allow for the retroactive legalization of illegal Israeli outposts located on private Palestinian land.”
2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7839 (2016) · source
“Japan will continue to actively support the strengthening of the global non-proliferation regime, with resolution 1540 (2004) at its core.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“The new resolution attempts to address that situation by directing the Committee to help States formulate requests with specific details of the necessary assistance. I would like to invite States seeking assistance to utilize the 1540 Committee's expertise to better formulate their requests. At the same time, the Committee should intensify its efforts to elicit concrete responses from donors, for example by proactively sharing specific assistance needs with other donor communities, such the G-7 Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction. To conclude, today's security environment requires the international community to reinforce measures to tackle the threat posed by the proliferation of WMDs. Today's adoption of resolution 2325 (2016) is an important step forward.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“The resolution adopted today addresses this point by calling upon States that have not done so to start developing effective national control lists. I would like to take this opportunity to urge all States to undertake effective measures as soon as possible to actually intercept proliferation activities whenever they are committed. My second point involves a concrete description in resolution 2325 (2016) of the role to be played by the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) in implementation assistance. Regrettably, the Committee receives many assistance requests that fail to specify actual needs, and the Committee's match- making role is not functioning well.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“As has been mentioned often today, we should not overlook the danger of malicious actors benefitting from rapid advances in science, technology and international commerce for proliferation purposes. Strengthening the global non-proliferation regime is an urgent and ongoing task. Japan appreciates the adoption of resolution 2325 (2016), which contains important provisions that will help strengthen the global non-proliferation regime. I would like to focus here on two points in particular. The first point concerns the development of national control lists. Resolution 1540 (2004) prescribes various mandatory domestic control measures, but it is essential to specify which items are to be controlled in order for those measures to be effective.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“Japan strongly urges North Korea to refrain from further provocations and to comply fully and faithfully with the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 2321 (2016) and 2270 (2016), as well as its other commitments. We must recall that resolution 2321 (2016) notes the complementarity of its obligations with those of resolution 1540 (2004). In discussing how to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), we must consider what is happening in the real world. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons/ United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism reached the clear conclusion that chemical weapons were in fact used in Syria, which we strongly condemn. The proliferation of WMDs is not a hypothetical threat.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“I would like to thank Spain for convening this very important meeting and join others in thanking the briefers for their excellent briefings. I welcome today's unanimous adoption of resolution 2325 (2016), which was co-sponsored by Japan. We appreciate the strong leadership of Spain in this regard. Bearing in mind today's agenda item, "Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction", I would like first to touch upon the most serious issue in this field - nuclear and ballistic missile development by North Korea. This is a blatant violation of Security Council resolutions and represents a clear challenge to the global non-proliferation regime. It is simply not unacceptable.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“On 8 December, the Council shared its views on two things: humanity first, and that we must advance a political process based on resolution 2254 (2015). It was meaningful that the Council could at least share that view on Syria for the first time in a long time. The core message was that there is no military solution to the Syrian crisis. This long-lasting conflict has deeply scarred the Syrian people, physically and psychologically. And hatred provides grounds for extremism, benefiting no one. Today the Council must think of the Syrian people above all. A prompt cessation of hostilities is needed, together with humanitarian aid and the advancement of the political process. We must demonstrate, not with words but with action, that the international community will not abandon the people of Syria even in this dark hour.”
2016-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7834 (2016) · source
“Japan fully shares the international community's serious concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in Aleppo and believes that it requires an urgent response. With the extremely cold and rainy weather, more than 80,000 internally displaced persons are reported to be in very dire circumstances. It is very important that the Council has convened today on this matter. We must take action to help civilian Syrians. The Secretary-General has made a very clear statement today; the United Nations underlines the obligation to protect civilians and abide by international humanitarian law and human rights law. That is especially the responsibility of the Syrian Government, and its allies, as it continues with its military action in Aleppo.”
2016-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7834 (2016) · source
“Japan is always ready to closely cooperate with other countries to enhance their capabilities and capacities. Only the international community's collective efforts on judicial and police-to-police cooperation will bring terrorists to justice. The meeting rose at 5.25 pm.”
2016-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7831 (2016) · source
“However, more than 100 out of 190 Member States do not use that powerful database to screen travellers at airports and border checkpoints. That means that, even if national central bureaus detect the use of lost or stolen passports, delayed notice to front-line screeners may allow terrorists to sneak across borders unnoticed. Timely access to the database is critically important for front-line officers to prevent such breaches. I therefore urge Member States to extend access to the INTERPOL I-24/7 network, including the stolen and lost travel document database, to front-line law enforcement entities, in accordance with today's resolution, with the goal of restricting cross-border terrorist movements. In conclusion, I stress that simply adopting today's resolution is not enough. We now must implement it.”
2016-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7831 (2016) · source
“However, I would especially like to highlight paragraph 17. That paragraph encourages States to consider extending access to the INTERPOL I-24/7 network beyond national central bureaus to other national law enforcement entities at strategic locations, such as remote border crossings. Terrorists use lost or stolen passports to travel freely around the world. To detect such false passports, INTERPOL gives national central bureaus access to its stolen and lost travel document database and helps them detect false identifications. The database includes records of the more that 68 million lost or stolen passports. From January to September, the database was searched more than 1.2 billion times, resulting in more than 115,000 hits - approximately 426 hits every day.”
2016-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7831 (2016) · source
“I would like to express my gratitude to Spain for convening today's important and timely briefing. I would also like to thank the briefers for their informative presentations. Looking back on 2016, we recognize that terrorist attacks occurred all over the world, including in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America and Asia. Ijoin others in offering condolences for the loss of life in all those attacks, especially to Egypt, as one of the most recent victims. Resolution 2322 (2016), which was just adopted, calls upon Member States to enhance judicial cooperation to address global terrorism and reaffirms that terrorists must be held accountable. Japan welcomes and supports the resolution. A number of key paragraphs in the resolution would help enhance our judicial and police-to-police cooperation.”
2016-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7831 (2016) · source
“We sincerely hope that at the end of the day, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea alters its course towards the improvement of human rights and invests its limited resources in the improvement of the welfare and fundamental rights of its citizens instead of in the development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. We also hope that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea comes back to the table of credible dialogue with the international community in order to resolve our various concerns. We believe that such a shift will lead to greater stability in the region.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source
“In March 2017, the Human Rights Council will receive a report from the Group of Independent Experts on Accountability for Human Rights Violations in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, as set out by the Human Rights Council in resolution A/HRC/3l/l8. I would also like to recall that General Assembly resolution 70/172 encourages the Security Council to take appropriate action to ensure accountability. With that said, I would like to stress that such efforts do not aim to isolate the Democratic People's Republic of Korea from the international community. I trust that the United Nations human rights mechanisms always have their doors open to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea for dialogue.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source