YouSaid · the spoken record

Kobayashi

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64
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2000-03-23
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2001-03-07
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10
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un-security-council

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  1. The subject requires full discussion with the broad participation of the Member States, and I thank you once again, Mr. President, for organizing today's meeting.

    2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source

  2. As reflected in the Millennium Declaration, which was unanimously adopted by the General Assembly last September, it is essential that the Security Council be reformed to reflect the realities of today's world so as to enhance the effectiveness and legitimacy of the Council itself. Although it was disappointing that the declaration of the Security Council summit made no reference to the need for such a reform, we hope that the Council, particularly its permanent members, will remain committed to the cause of Council reform. In conclusion, I wish to stress that the subject of today's meeting requires the continued attention of the Council. We also realize that the subject is indeed a broad and complex one and needs to be addressed by the General Assembly as well.

    2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source

  3. Relevant regional organizations can also provide valuable insight and assistance to the Council. Needless to say, the creation of a sound foundation for peace-building requires the cooperation of various agencies and institutions, such as the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Indeed, it is essential to involve these States and institutions at the earliest planning stage. In this regard, we strongly support the Council's recent practice of holding full-scale debates involving troop-contributing countries, major donors and relevant agencies and institutions. We strongly hope this practice will be continued. Before concluding, I would like to mention here once again an obvious but unfulfllled requirement, namely Security Council reform.

    2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source

  4. Most importantly, utmost attention must be given to avoiding any gaps in the international assistance required at different stages, particularly at a point of transition from one stage to another, because such a gap could bring to naught any progress achieved in preceding stages. This point will be particularly salient when we consider, for example, the United Nations presence in East Timor after its independence. The cooperation of the entire international community is also essential. As my delegation has stressed on other occasions, players outside of Council must also be mobilized and fully involved to attain full cooperation. Non-Council Member States that commit their personnel as well as financial resources to United Nations efforts must be mobilized in order to ensure the success of any peace effort.

    2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source

  5. Conflicts cannot be prevented nor peace- building achieved at the post-conflict stage unless the root causes of the conflict are addressed, and this requires efforts for reconstruction, development and capacity-building. The multifaceted mandates of many recent United Nations missions around the world are testimony to this requirement. To ensure the effectiveness of such an approach, the Council must be particularly mindful of the importance of ensuring the smooth transition from one stage of conflict prevention and peace-building to the next. This requires a clear and coherent strategy throughout the entire process of United Nations involvement.

    2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source

  6. As my delegation stressed at the open meeting on peace-building held last month, the problems of conflict and development in Africa demand the urgent and committed attention of the international community. As acknowledged in the declaration attached to resolution 1318 (2000), there is a long list of issues that deserve to be discussed. But today I would like to focus on a few points that we believe are of fundamental importance. First is the need to take a comprehensive and integrated approach in addressing a conflict situation. Such an approach must include economic and social dimensions in addition to political and military dimensions.

    2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source

  7. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting as a follow-up to the Security Council summit held last September. As the Council's role continues to evolve in order to respond to the constantly changing realities of today's world, it is important to review its effectiveness from time to time, to identify the problems it faces and to set priorities for its activities. My delegation supports the general thrust of the declaration attached to Security Council resolution 1318 (2000), which was adopted at the conclusion of the Millennium Summit. It is particularly significant that the Council then pledged to enhance the effectiveness of the United Nations in addressing conflict at every stage - from prevention to settlement to post-conflict peace-building - with a particular focus on Africa.

    2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source

  8. Japan shares their hopes for a successful transition to independence and remains determined to make a genuine contribution to this endeavour.

    2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source

  9. Furthermore, in view of the profound shortage of human resources in East Timor and its implications for the transfer of the administration, Japan believes that the United Nations presence in East Timor after independence should include not only military and civilian police components but also a capacity- and institution-building component to provide advice to the East Timorese. Without such a component, the nation- building process could be seriously disrupted. In conclusion, I would like once again to commend the United Nations staff under the able leadership of Mr. Vieira de Mello, the members of the international community and especially the people of East Timor as they work together to build a promising future.

    2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source

  10. The other point I wish to raise is the importance of the international community remaining steadfast in its efforts to assist East Timor. Continuity is essential in order to ensure that the efforts made thus far for the reconstruction and development of East Timor are fruitful. The necessary systems and mechanisms must be in place to ensure continuity in the provision of international assistance. In this regard, the need for effective donor coordination mechanisms remains undiminished. These should include a framework for the overall assessment and review of the assistance that is being provided. The well-established practice of holding donor conferences is one such mechanism. A coordinating mechanism on the ground, such as the role currently played by UNTAET, to maintain daily contact with the donors is also necessary.

    2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source

  11. In order to encourage East Timor's self-reliance, it should be made clear that with independence the responsibility for administering the country will then rest with the East Timorese, while the international community and the United Nations play an advisory role. This, of course, cannot happen all at once on the day of independence. But it is imperative, during this transition phase, to foster a sense of ownership among the East Timorese and to help them develop the necessary skills and capabilities for running a nation. From this point of View, Japan fully supports UNTAET's policy of accelerated transfer of authority to the East Timorese people and the so-called Timorization of the administration. We strongly encourage the continuation ofthis policy.

    2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source

  12. Japan is more than willing to help in this regard and has decided to sponsor a seminar on electoral law, to be held by UNTAET in February, with the aim of promoting discussion and understanding of the electoral system among the East Timorese. Next, let me comment on the post-independence phase. We share the Secretary-General's analysis that East Timor will continue to require substantial international support after independence is achieved. Japan will remain committed to helping East Timor in the post-independence phase. I would like to stress two important points in this regard. The first point is that after independence the transfer of authority should be complete.

    2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source

  13. We should bear in mind that the political process towards independence should involve as many people as possible, including East Timorese refugees who are willing to participate in the nation-building process. The recent violent incidents in connection with political campaigning by the East Timorese parties are disturbing. We call on the people of East Timor to ensure that the political process towards independence is orderly and peaceful, and we urge UNTAET to make every effort to assist them in this regard. Caution and sensitivity on the part of UNTAET are required in dealing with this matter, but violence must not be tolerated. Efforts to instil respect in the East Timorese people for the democratic process and its rules can also be useful.

    2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source

  14. At the same time, we call upon the people of East Timor to understand that insufficient preparation can result in compromising the openness, inclusiveness and fairness of the process. We also fully support the emphasis, as described in the Secretary-General's report, that is placed on sustainability and capacity-building in the election process with a view to enabling the East Timorese themselves to conduct their future elections. The issue of East Timorese refugees in West Timor continues to be a source of concern. Efforts should be made both by the Indonesian authorities and by the relevant United Nations agencies to solve the refugee problem as soon as possible.

    2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source

  15. In this regard, my delegation would like to reiterate the critical importance of pursuing independence through a political process that is open, fair and democratic. And, in order to ensure lasting peace and security after independence, it will be necessary to establish a political system that is likewise open, fair and democratic. We are confident that Mr. Ramos-Horta and other leaders of the East Timorese people understand the importance of these goals and will spare no effort in achieving them. Although we understand the existence of possible technical difficulties, as mentioned in the Secretary- General's report, we urge the United Nations to do its best to realize the sequence of political steps that are to be agreed upon by the East Timorese people.

    2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source

  16. Japan welcomes the progress highlighted in the Secretary-General's report, including progress in the political process, in infrastructure development and in judicial and human rights matters, and encourages UNTAET to continue its efforts in all those areas. Japan fully supports the extension of UNTAET's mandate. Today I would like to focus on the political process leading to the independence of East Timor and to share some thoughts on the post-independence phase. First, let me touch upon the political process towards independence. Japan welcomes the growing consensus among the East Timorese people on the political calendar for achieving independence. It is our fundamental position that the will of the people must be respected in deciding how East Timor should be governed.

    2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source

  17. Vieira de Mello, the dedication of United Nations staff and the constant support of the international community, including non- governmental organizations, all working hand in hand with the people of East Timor. My delegation is pleased to know that, as a result of these efforts, the goal of independence is now within sight. Although considerable work still needs be done, my delegation is confident that, with the commitment and integrity demonstrated by those concerned, that goal will be achieved smoothly and successfully. Japan, for its part, remains fully committed to assisting the process to the best of its ability.

    2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source

  18. We look forward to welcoming him in Japan in March. We also commend Mr. Holkeri, President of the General Assembly, for his participation in today's discussion, following his recent visit to the region. We thank the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund for presenting their views. Their participation in today's discussion illustrates the multifaceted nature ofthe activities of UNTAET, which encompass not only military and police activities but also a wide range of nation-building efforts. Since the inception of UNTAET in October 1999, efforts to prepare for the independence of East Timor have made substantial progress, with the competent and resourceful leadership of Mr.

    2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source

  19. Before I begin, I should like to take this opportunity to express condolences to the people of India and of Pakistan for the terrible losses they have suffered as a result of yesterday's earthquake. I would like to express my appreciation to you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to discuss the situation in East Timor, as the mandate of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) is about to be renewed. I would also like to thank Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello for shedding light on the important progress that has been made and on the challenges that remain on the ground. We wish to extend our warmest welcome to Mr. Ramos-Horta, who has come to present to us the views of the East Timorese people, which the international community must always respect and heed as it supports their nation-building efforts.

    2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source

  20. In that context, Japan welcomes the diplomatic efforts that the parties concerned have made in Paris to reverse the cycle of violence, and we commend the initiatives taken by the United States, France and Egypt to facilitate such efforts. We appeal to the parties concerned to respond to the call of the international community for the cessation of violence and the avoidance of further bloodshed. The current crisis attests most starkly to the need to realize ajust, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. This is what the people of the region so desperately desire and what the international community is committed to achieving. We must not allow this crisis to derail the ongoing peace process. Japan reiterates its support for the efforts of the parties concerned to achieve peace.

    2000-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4204Resumption2 (2000) · source

  21. In the hope of helping the wounded and saving precious lives, and in response to a request from the Palestinian Authority, Japan has decided to provide through the United Nations Development Programme $500,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance for the purchase of medical equipment, which is urgently needed in the West Bank and Gaza at this time of crisis. Further casualties must be avoided. The immediate task is to halt the clashes as soon as possible. To this end, we strongly urge the parties concerned to act with utmost restraint and refrain from any further acts of provocation and violence. Nothing can be achieved through violence, which only claims more victims and leaves deeper scars in the hearts of the people.

    2000-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4204Resumption2 (2000) · source

  22. My delegation expresses its appreciation to you, Mr. President, for providing us with the opportunity to present Japan's views on the grave situation we face today in the Middle East. Japan deplores the escalation of violent clashes between Palestinians and the Israeli authorities in Jerusalem and other cities, in which more than 60 people, mostly civilians and innocent children, have been killed. We condemn the acts of provocation and are concerned at the instances of excessive use of force that have been observed in the past few days. I wish, on behalf of the Government and people of Japan, to extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved families, and to express the sincere hope that the wounded will recover quickly.

    2000-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4204Resumption2 (2000) · source

  23. Its assistance to Ethiopia ranged from $37 million to $63 million a year during the period 1995-1997. It provided assistance to Eritrea for the first time in 1993, and in 1997 it had quickly become the second-largest donor to that country. I might add that last year Japan contributed $4.9 million through the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as well as about $1 million through the World Food Programme to mitigate the suffering of those in desperate need in the region. Upon the faithful implementation of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities and the realization of peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Japan, in cooperation with the international community, is determined to extend as much assistance as possible to both countries.

    2000-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4187 (2000) · source

  24. Japan is also of the view that the preparations for establishing a United Nations peacekeeping operation need to be completed quickly, and peacekeepers should be deployed as soon as possible in order to ensure the implementation of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities. Looking ahead, the two countries will have to confront a wide range of problems in the aftermath of the conflict, such as those relating to landmines, refugees and internally displaced persons, not to mention the daunting task of reconstruction and development. Before the conflict broke out, Japan had been one of the largest donors to both countries, having extended assistance to Ethiopia and Eritrea in the areas of agricultural production, social and industrial infrastructure and human resource development.

    2000-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4187 (2000) · source

  25. Because demining is a precondition for the deployment of a peacekeeping mission for the re-establishment of civilian administration and the return of displaced persons, a decision on this issue should be made as soon as possible. In this regard, Japan is considering the possibility of making a financial contribution for mine action conducted by the United Nations in this area. Secondly, the parties should resolve, once and for all, their dispute over the delimitation and demarcation of their common border, in accordance with the OAU Framework Agreement and the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities. The resolution of the border issue should not remain inconclusive, since it has been a cause of this conflict, and it could provoke hostilities again. Japan hopes that the peace talks will soon be successfully concluded.

    2000-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4187 (2000) · source

  26. Since we have dispatched our State Secretary and other senior officials of the Foreign Ministry to both countries in an effort to find a peaceful solution to the conflict, Japan is all the more gratified by the cessation of hostilities. The second phase of the proximity talks on the implementation of the ceasefire Agreement, sponsored by the United States Government, started in July in Washington, DC. In this connection, my Government would like to emphasize the following two points: first, Ethiopia and Eritrea are requested by Security Council resolution 1312 (2000) to quickly agree on the deployment of mine action experts.

    2000-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4187 (2000) · source

  27. At the outset, on behalf of the delegation of Japan, I would like to express my appreciation for the opportunity to participate in this meeting on the situation in Ethiopia and Eritrea. Japan has been closely following this conflict and welcomes the decision which the two countries made on 18 June to lay down their arms and sign the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities. The Agreement was greatly facilitated by the Organization of African Unity (OAU), particularly by Algeria in its mediating role as Chair, as well as by the United States and the European Union. Japan pays high tribute to all of them for their tireless efforts.

    2000-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4187 (2000) · source

  28. The recent tragic incident and the lack of progress in certain aspects of the situation underscore the need for continued and determined efforts on the part of all the relevant parties and players. In this respect, I would like to reiterate once again Japan's commitment to cooperate to the best of its ability with UNTAET and the people of East Timor in their efforts to build a peaceful and democratic nation.

    2000-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4180 (2000) · source

  29. Efforts by the Indonesian authorities and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have enabled more than 167,000 refugees to return, but the Secretary-General has estimated that 85,000 to 120,000 refugees still remain in West Timor. The lack of tangible progress on this issue in recent months makes it clear that greater efforts are required by the parties concerned. We are also reminded of the fact that UNHCR's resources are not limitless. Nevertheless Japan believes that international support is essential in resolving this difficult problem, and it supports the involvement and efforts of UNHCR. We call upon the Indonesian authorities to make further efforts in collaborating with UNHCR, which is the only effective formula for resolving this refugee problem.

    2000-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4180 (2000) · source

  30. In this respect, we call on the military forces of Indonesia and the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) to cooperate more closely in order to fully implement the Memorandum of Understanding on tactical coordination signed on 11 April. Secondly, the root cause of the problem must be addressed by disarming and disbanding the militias in West Timor. Difficult and complex as this task may be, only the Government of Indonesia is in a position to take effective measures to this end, and we call on it to make further efforts in this respect. The fate of the remaining East Timorese refugees in West Timor is also a matter of concern to Japan.

    2000-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4180 (2000) · source

  31. First of all, Japan is gravely concerned at the recent resurgence of militia activities in the border areas of East Timor. As we have repeatedly stressed, the maintenance of security is a prerequisite for successful nation-building, and every effort should be made to this end. We recognize that the measures taken by the Indonesian Government have resulted in a decrease in incidents caused by the militias in the border areas since April, but recent events have shown that these efforts need to be continued and furthered. Such efforts should be twofold. First, the border areas must be secured to prevent cross-border incursions.

    2000-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4180 (2000) · source

  32. Madam President, I would like to thank you for providing us with this opportunity to present Japan's Views on the situation in East Timor in the light of the recent events, particularly the tragic death of Private Leonard William Manning on 24 July. The Government and people of Japan extend their profound condolences to the family of Private Manning, who gave his life while serving the cause of peace, and also express their sincere sympathy to the Government and people of New Zealand. Japan's views on the situation in East Timor, as presented in the open meeting last month, remain unchanged. Today I would like to focus my comments on recent developments and issues which were not elaborated on in our previous statement.

    2000-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4180 (2000) · source

  33. We hope that the positive response of the international community to the appeal will contribute to ensuring the human security of those who have been displaced, and eventually to promoting capacity-building, a process which, in the long run, will contribute to the prevention of conflict in Angola.

    2000-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4178Resumption1 (2000) · source

  34. In view of this deteriorating situation, we appreciate the efforts of the Government of Angola to address these problems, as seen in its launching of a national emergency assistance plan in 1999; we hope that the plan will be carried through. However, without international efforts to halt this grave crisis, the situation will surely get worse. Japan therefore welcomes the special appeal for emergency assistance to internally displaced persons in Angola issued by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) based on a request by the Government of Angola. In response to that appeal, Japan is now examining positively the way to make a concrete contribution to address this increasingly serious situation.

    2000-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4178Resumption1 (2000) · source

  35. It is Japan's view, therefore, that rather than focusing on those countries or individuals that violate the sanctions, the Security Council should explore ways of preventing violations. From this viewpoint, Japan supports the establishment of a mechanism to monitor sanctions violations, or to improve or establish various technical systems to prevent such violations, as recommended by the sanctions Committee in its report. In today's discussion we cannot overlook the dire facts and figures that reveal the magnitude of human suffering in Angola. Over the past 20 years, 3.7 million people, or more than one third of the population, have had to flee their homes. Among them are 1.5 million internally displaced persons. It is estimated that, just since January of this year, as many as 250,000 persons have been displaced.

    2000-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4178Resumption1 (2000) · source

  36. In this regard, we appreciate the efforts that Special Adviser Gambari made to strengthen the relations of trust between the United Nations and the Government of Angola during his visit in May. Since 1993 the Security Council has imposed economic sanctions against Angola, and specifically UNITA. These include the prohibition of trade in arms, petroleum products, and diamonds; travel restrictions on persons associated with UNITA; and the freezing of UNITA's assets. Regrettably, however, as described in the report of the Angolan sanctions Committee, these sanctions have been blatantly violated by various countries and individuals, and thus rendered largely ineffective. Unless the sanctions regime is strengthened, an early settlement of the Angolan conflict cannot be expected.

    2000-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4178Resumption1 (2000) · source

  37. I thank you, Madam President, for convening this open meeting on Angola, giving Japan an opportunity to present its views on this important subject. I wish to express my appreciation to the Secretary-General, as well as to his Special Adviser on Africa, Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, for their comprehensive reports on the situation and for their tireless efforts to find a peaceful settlement to the conflict. The chief obstacle to ending the conflict in Angola is the continued guerrilla activity of UNITA's rebel forces under Jonas Savimbi. We are particularly concerned over reports of guerrilla activity near the Namibian and Zambian borders, which is destabilizing the situation in those countries. It is therefore incumbent upon the international community to closely follow the situation, lest Angola's civil war develop into a regional conflict.

    2000-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4178Resumption1 (2000) · source

  38. I cannot conclude my remarks without commenting on the situation in the Republic of Serbia. Despite the progress that has been made in various parts of the Balkan region, it must be recognized that the further development of those areas cannot be attained without the democratization of Serbia. I believe, therefore, that it is incumbent upon the international community to cooperate in fostering democracy in Serbia; only then will lasting peace and stability prevail throughout the Balkan region.

    2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source

  39. Finally, concerning the situation in Croatia, we welcome the victory in the recent election by political parties that emphasized cooperation with the international community, and we earnestly hope that this development will have ramifications in the neighbouring countries. Japan has contributed to the stability and development of the Balkan region through its financial assistance. In 1996, Japan pledged about $500 million for economic rehabilitation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and has been working steadily to implement that assistance. In addition, Japan has already disbursed a total of approximately $177 million for assistance to Kosovo and has also pledged $60 million to neighbouring countries. We intend to continue to remain actively engaged in international efforts to enhance peace and stability throughout the Balkan region.

    2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source

  40. Petritsch the view that it is important for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina themselves to make greater efforts to assume "ownership" of the peace process. Only in that way can lasting peace and security be achieved. In Kosovo, although Japan appreciates the progress which the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo has so far achieved, several problems still remain. Japan cannot condone the acts of intolerance by nationalistic extremists against other ethnic groups. Japan attaches great importance to the municipal election planned for this autumn in order to establish a democratic, multi-ethnic society in Kosovo, and it calls upon the Serb community to cooperate. We also call upon the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to cooperate in registering the Serbian population to enable them to participate in the election.

    2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source

  41. As to Bosnia and Herzegovina, at the ministerial meeting of the Peace Implementation Council that was held at Brussels in May, the importance of economic reform, the repatriation of refugees and displaced persons, and the establishment and strengthening of common institutions was reaffirmed. In that connection, I wish to express my delegation's support for the active efforts which Mr. Wolfgang Petritsch, High Representative for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina, has made in each ofthese important areas. Although there continues to be an international military and civilian presence in the region, as again authorized by the Security Council on 21 June, it cannot remain there indefinitely. Japan shares with Mr.

    2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source

  42. This past May, for example, it convened in Tokyo a high-level conference on South-East Europe, which was attended by representatives of countries in the region and by many other dignitaries, including Mr. Carl Bildt and Mr. Bodo Hombach, Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact for South-eastern Europe. At that meeting, Japan's Foreign Minister, Mr. Yohei Kono, stressed the importance of building a community where different ethnic groups can live in harmony and the importance of developing a peace-oriented society. The ensuing discussion focused on how to promote reconciliation among diverse ethnic communities through cultural activities, education, independent media, environmental protection and a market-based economy. As we survey the Balkan region, positive developments are clearly discernible in certain areas.

    2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source

  43. I would like to express my delegation's gratitude to you, Mr. President, for convening this very timely meeting on the Balkan region. I also appreciate the Council's decision to enable Japan to express its views on this issue of critical importance for international peace. As Mr. Carl Bildt, the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Balkans, has stated on various occasions, in addition to responding to problems specific to the situation in various parts of the Balkan region, it is important to consider the region as a whole, in a comprehensive manner. Sharing this perception, Japan has sought to develop the discussion on how the stability of the entire Balkan region might best be realized.

    2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source

  44. Japan supports the proposition of holding the inter-Congolese dialogue in Kisangani and hopes that preparations for the dialogue will commence as planned by the facilitator. In this connection, I would like to suggest to the facilitator that he consider convening several dialogue meetings at the regional level with a view to consolidating the democratization process at the grass-roots level, for the success of the inter-Congolese dialogue in Kisangani. Finally, I would like to stress that the international community should focus on the positive achievements made so far in the peace process for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and encourage the parties concerned to implement in an orderly manner the steps that have been agreed upon.

    2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source

  45. I sincerely hope that the international community will extend its strong support to the facilitator, Sir Ketumile Masire, in his efforts to engage the Congolese parties in a national dialogue. Most importantly, he needs solid financial backing. Only half the amount he requires to carry out his planned activities has been pledged so far, and we would like to call upon Member States to do their utmost to help meet the shortfall. For its part, the Government of Japan has contributed $300,000 to the United Nations Trust Fund to assist the facilitation activities of Sir Ketumile Masire. We have recently learned that he has had some difficulty drawing on those funds. We hope that he and the United Nations Secretariat will work together to resolve this issue in a mutually satisfactory manner.

    2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source

  46. Our experiences in past peacekeeping operations have taught us that the observance of a ceasefire must be confirmed before a peacekeeping force is deployed. In this connection, Japan fully supports the mission's recommendation that the Secretary-General obtain from the parties to the Lusaka Agreement their commitment, in writing, to maintain the ceasefire and support the deployment of phase II of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). In our view, the special meeting of the Political Committee established by the Lusaka Agreement, to be convened in New York next month, would be a very appropriate occasion to obtain such commitment.

    2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source

  47. Our recent experiences in Sierra Leone may cast a negative shadow upon the future course of action that the Security Council may take in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, we must not allow the experiences in Sierra Leone to deter us from resolving the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ceasefire agreement of 8 April provides an important basis for future peacemaking efforts, although as the subsequent incidents in Kisangani between the forces of Rwanda and Uganda have demonstrated, it is a fragile agreement. I wish to take this opportunity to call upon Rwanda and Uganda to withdraw from Kisangani, in accordance with their agreement. The recent hostilities between their forces are an infringement of the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and cannot be tolerated.

    2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source

  48. I would like to express my gratitude to you, Mr. President, for your leadership in convening this open meeting and thus providing an opportunity for us to present Japan's views on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Security Council mission that visited African countries to assess the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As is evident from the comprehensive report on their meetings with the Presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as with several faction leaders, the members of the mission worked tirelessly to advance the peace process.

    2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source

  49. A coherent and comprehensive response by all actors - including better protection, assistance and economic recovery for internally displaced persons - needs to be pursued effectively. I should like to conclude by expressing the readiness of my Government to actively take part in the effort by the international community to seek ways to address the issue of displacement. When effective methods are agreed, you can be assured, Mr. President, of J apan's full support and cooperation.

    2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130Resumption1 (2000) · source

  50. The Inter-Agency Standing Committee, chaired by the International Red Cross, is pursuing more accountability in the international response to internally displaced persons. I shall not go into detail here on the desirable institutional arrangements that have been under deliberation, and recently with greater intensity. What should be kept in mind, however, when undertaking this exercise is that there is no model method for protecting civilians caught in an armed conflict. Each conflict has a different historical and geographical background, and the pattern of activities by United Nations agencies and other international bodies differs in each conflict and each post- conflict situation. Whichever body has the most value-added expertise, and whichever is well placed in the field, should be designated as being accountable.

    2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130Resumption1 (2000) · source