YouSaid · the spoken record

Okamura

lines on the record

238

first

2014-09-08

most recent

2017-03-09

sittings or episodes

43

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un-security-council

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1. “Japan believes that assistance from the international community has greater force and is more needed when the country or the people on the ground themselves make genuine efforts to solve their own problems. I have the strong sense that the Boko Haram problem and the humanitarian crisis should not be neglected. Furthermore, the countries of the region have a keen interest in this issue. The meeting rose at 11.10 am.”

   2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7894 (2017) · source

2. “I am very encouraged, Mr. President, by your suggestion that we should be more active and action oriented. I would just like to add one very brief comment. I participated in the mission and was very encouraged by the sense of ownership from the regional countries of Cameroon, Chad, the Niger and Nigeria. They are very determined to deal with the Boko Haram issue, and the Presidents have very clear views on the situation, on the causes and priority tasks to address that issue. The African countries themselves are seeking solutions to their own problems. Regional groups such as the Multinational Joint Task Force, the Lake Chad Basin Commission, the Group ofFive Sahel, the Economic Community of West African States and the Economic Community of Central African States are making joint efforts to tackle the crisis.”

   2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7894 (2017) · source

3. “People with talent and bravery like them are tirelessly working at the forefront of peacekeeping missions to bring about peace and justice, at times in dangerous environments. We must never forget the dedication and sacrifice that many brilliant people have made in order to achieve peace. In the hope that somehow they can hear me, I would like to report to those three great colleagues of mine that, in Kosovo, peace and stability, democracy and economic development have made steady progress.”

   2017-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7891 (2017) · source

4. “They all worked very hard and contributed greatly to Kosovo's recovery from devastation and chaos. Three years later, a United Nations office was established in post- Saddam Hussein Iraq. Then-Special Representative of the Secretary-General Sergio Vieira de Mello, keenly aware of the high calibre of the three officers, brought them to Iraq. On 19 August 2003, Mr. De Mello convened a regular senior staff meeting with those three people present. A truck parked beside the building. A strong explosion occurred, turning the building into rubble. The attack killed whoever happened to be at the site, including those persons just mentioned best, the brightest of United Nations personnel.”

   2017-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7891 (2017) · source

5. “In that regard, Japan highly values the high level of commitment by both sides to resolve issues even after several incidents that heightened tensions. I ask both sides to demonstrate the rich, diverse cultures and societies of Kosovo through efforts to achieve reconciliation and tolerance, including the establishment of the association/community of Serb- majority municipalities in Kosovo. In concluding my remarks, I would like to recall three outstanding colleagues from my time as Chief Political Officer in UNMIK 17 years ago: Ms. Nadia Younes, Mr. Jean-Selim Kanaan and Ms. Fiona Watson. Ms. Younes was UNMIK spokesperson, and her office was right next to mine. Mr. Kanaan and Ms. Watson were advisers to then Special Representative of the Secretary-General Kouchner. Mr. Kanaan was also my partner on winterization projects in Kosovo.”

   2017-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7891 (2017) · source

6. “Let us take a trip to Kosovo and explore the country. I would like to emphasize the following to the people of Kosovo. For Kosovo to be seen as a genuinely mature democracy, the greatest challenge is reconciliation between communities. Prior to the conflict in Kosovo, Kosovar Albanians and Kosovar Serbs lived in the same space. I have a female friend in Kosovo who is Kosovar-Albanian. She was very sad when the conflict broke out. Kosovar Albanians and Kosovar Serbs once lived together, but Kosovar Serbs were forced to flee in the wake of the conflict. The majority of them have not returned. Reconciliation must now be accelerated before the memories ofa more harmonious time fade and are lost for good. As long as animosity and injustice remain in Kosovo society, tourists and foreign companies will hesitate to visit or invest.”

   2017-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7891 (2017) · source

7. “But I can share its contact details and home page later if anyone is interested. Kosovo also has rich tourism resources. There is a magnificent waterfall in Mirusha, and Gadime e Poshtme is proud to be home to a mysterious limestone cavern. People can enjoy trout raised in fish farms in Istog at a restaurant adjacent to the farm. I even found a good natural hot spring - known as onsen in Japanese - near Peja, and I myself had a bath there. The sulphurous white water is pleasant and warm, just the right type of onsen for Japanese people like me. Mosques in Prizren and Orthodox monasteries in Decani and Gracanica are breathtaking. Such sites appear in all Kosovo travel guides - such as the one I have here, which members can find in book shops - and represent great potential for tourism development in Kosovo.”

   2017-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7891 (2017) · source

8. “I mentioned wine the last time (see S/PV.7811); today I would like to talk about business opportunities. The Trepca mines hold the largest natural resources in Kosovo and could potentially generate large sums of tax revenue. However, it is regrettable that challenges remain in the business of operating the mines. At the same time, there are other types of businesses in Kosovo. Allow me to share one example here. In 2013, a Japanese company established a farm and factory in Mitrovica, which produces shiitake mushrooms. By making use of Japanese high technology, the company has a production capacity of eight tons of mushrooms a day. It exports its produce to 12 countries in Europe and North America. I have not brought any mushrooms with me today, and will not mention the name of the company.”

   2017-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7891 (2017) · source

9. “If the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) is indeed still necessary in its current configuration, as suggested by the report of the Secretary-General, the Council must identify the activities that specifically require such an UNMIK presence. The efficient and effective functioning of the Council should also take priority. Indeed, improving working methods is of keen interest to all Council members. In that regard, we do not see any reason that meetings on UNMIK need to be held as frequently as during the time of the adoption of resolution 1244 (1999). A meeting and report every six months is sufficient. In spite of it all, personally, I myself appreciate the opportunity every three months to recall my memories of Kosovo.”

   2017-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7891 (2017) · source

10. “Please allow me to thank His Excellency President Nikolic of Serbia and Her Excellency Ambassador Citaku of Kosovo for their briefings. I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tanin for his briefing and continued service. As indicated in the report (S/2017/95/Rev.1) of the Secretary-General, the escalation of tension between Pristina and Belgrade is a matter of concern. Violent extremism, radicalization and terrorism continue to pose a threat to security in Kosovo and the region. However, the risk and intensity of violence are considerably less than those in other regions often taken up by the Security Council, such as Africa or the Middle East. Limited peacekeeping resources should be allocated to areas where there is an urgent need for them.”

    2017-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7891 (2017) · source

11. “Of course, the path to democracy in Kosovo was not an easy task, but today peace and democracy have taken root in Kosovo to a certain extent. We are very proud of that and it is due, in great part, to the efforts of the OSCE. Asia and Europe have a certain interconnectivity on peace and security-related issues. Just as tensions in Europe have an impact on the entire international community, including Asia, increased tensions in Asia affect the stability of Europe. Japan is committed to deepening its cooperation with the States members of the OSCE as part of its joint efforts with the OSCE to maintain and consolidate the international order based on the rule of law.”

    2017-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7887 (2017) · source

12. “We look forward to further cooperation with the OSCE on a wide range of issues, including security and counter-terrorism through strengthened border management, election observation missions and women's empowerment. I would like to mention my first-hand experience with the contribution of the OSCE. From 1999 to 2000, I was seconded to the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), where I worked with a young Austrian diplomat named Mr. Jan Kickert, who is present in the Chamber as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Austria. The OSCE was at that time one of the four pillars of our international efforts aimed at the reconstruction of Kosovo. The OSCE and UNMIK cooperated closely in conducting the first local election in October 2000, and it was quite successful.”

    2017-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7887 (2017) · source

13. “The situation in Ukraine, as Japan stressed at yesterday's open debate, is of grave concern for the entire international community. It poses a serious challenge to the international order governed by the rule of law. This is a matter of principle. We have contributed to Ukraine by dispatching a Japanese expert to the Special Monitoring Mission of the OSCE in the light of its critical tasks. In addition, Japan is supporting the country's reform efforts to become a more resilient society. The OSCE is playing an important role in mediation, including in the situations in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Transnistria and Nagorno Karabakh. We applaud the OSCE'S hands-on approach to enhancing capacities and resilience in response to emerging issues, such as violent extremism, as well as humanitarian crises involving refugees and immigrants.”

    2017-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7887 (2017) · source

14. “The OSCE has always held the conviction that maintaining an international order based on the rule of law that condemns the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any State, as well as building confidence among member States through efforts for dialogue and transparency, will bring peace and stability in Europe and the international community. Based on this belief, the OSCE has been taking a comprehensive approach, which encompasses not only politico-military security, but also economic, environmental and human aspects. Japan, as one of OSCE's Asian partners, firmly shares its belief and comprehensive approach. We are pleased to have expanded our cooperation with the OSCE over the past quarter-century.”

    2017-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7887 (2017) · source

15. “I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Sebastian Kurz, Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Austria, for his briefing. Yesterday's open debate (see S/PV.7886) was a good opportunity for us to recall the major contribution made by the OSCE to promoting security and preventing conflicts in Europe. However, the debate was also a stark reminder that OSCE confidence-building measures are increasingly necessary in light of attempts to forcibly alter the status quo by coercion in some parts of Europe. As a regional arrangement under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, the OSCE is exemplary in supporting the Security Council in maintaining peace and security at the regional level.”

    2017-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7887 (2017) · source

16. “Even after being attacked and dispersed by security forces, they continued to beat their pots and pans throughout the night in their homes. The vital role that women play in promoting peace and security could not have been more visible. Following the crisis, the story continued with international mobilization. We commend UNOCI's dedication during the transition period and to date. UNOCI, the United Nations country team and Ivoirian authorities strove to meet the difficult post-conflict challenges, including the reform of the security sector and national reconciliation. We can all be welcome the conclusion of the UNOCI mission, six years after the civil war. I am convinced that the purpose of the United Nations is to support the determination and courage of ordinary people who pursue peace and democracy.”

    2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7880 (2017) · source

17. “I personally owe a great deal to UNOCI's role to protect civilians. When months of tension escalated into street violence, a number of diplomatic colleagues and I were rescued thanks to the heroic efforts and professionalism of the French Operation Licorne and UNOCI. (Spoke in French) I cannot conclude my intervention without underscoring the bold and resolute efforts of the Ivoirian people, average citizens fighting for peace and democracy. When the armed conflict broke out, citizens took to the streets to demand a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The security forces then opened fire, and many people lost their lives. I remember the day when women took to the streets to demand peace. They were armed only with pots and pans, which they were beating.”

    2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7880 (2017) · source

18. “There were two Presidents, two Prime Ministers, two Foreign Ministers and two military forces. UNOCI worked to protect Alassane Ouattara, who was under siege inside a hotel. Foreign Minister Marcel Amon-Tanoh was also among those under siege. The incumbent President, Mr. Gbagbo, then declared that the United Nations must leave. The United Nations refused, but then faced great difficulties with Mr. Gbagbo's supporters. And indeed, a number of stray bullets did fly into UNOCI headquarters. I would like to testify to the profound dedication of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Choi Young-jin and of UNOCI staff. Despite the risks, they overcame the extreme difficulties the mission faced. Without their bravery, the conflict might not have been resolved and we would not have peace today.”

    2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7880 (2017) · source

19. “It also pioneered many innovations, including inter-mission cooperation with the United Nations in Liberia and Sierra Leone. The Quick Reaction Force concept was also developed over the course of UNOCI's deployment. I recall the day when the Constitutional Council announced that Laurent Gbagbo had won. At that time, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Choi Young-jin asked the Ambassadors of major countries to gather in his office. I was among them. He told us that he could not certify that announcement and that he could certify only the outcome that the Independent Electoral Commission had issued the day before, proclaiming Alassane Ouattara as the winner. He made his determination clear and asked for our unified support. An unusual situation followed.”

    2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7880 (2017) · source

20. “Whereas most peacekeeping operations are deployed in the aftermath of a crisis, UNOCI experienced escalated violence on the ground and faced the risk of relapse into civil war during its deployment. UNOCI has faced and overcome many challenges, such as implementing the peace agreement; supporting the electoral process, including generating a voters list and issuing identity cards; a sitting President who refused to accept his electoral loss; undertaking a protection-of-civilians mandate when there are two opposing military forces; and even becoming caught up in the extreme situation itself. Nowadays, such situations are not unfamiliar to us. UNOCI constitutes a handbook for many extreme scenarios that peacekeeping might face. UNOCI has seen them all, and it offers us many lessons for the future.”

    2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7880 (2017) · source

21. “Mr. Okamura (Japan) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. A'ichatou Mindaoudou, for her update on the situation in Cote d'Ivoire, Where peace and democracy have been restored. I would also like to thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cote d'Ivoire, Mr. Marcel Amon-Tanoh, for being here today. (spoke in English) Allow me to make a statement as we mark the final progress report (S/2017/89) of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI). After 14 years, UNOCI is finally drawing to a close. It is as though we are reading the final chapter in a long saga, with a happy ending after a very dramatic story. UNOCI is a particularly unique tale.”

    2017-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7880 (2017) · source

22. “Many African countries, including nations that are poorer than the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have succeeded in organizing elections. If the Democratic Republic of the Congo is united and determined to conduct this democratic exercise, I am confident that it will overcome its difficulties and hold successful elections. I hope that the strong message to that effect from the Security Council and the international community reaches the political leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Japan also reaffirms its full support for Special Representative Sidikou and for the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

    2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source

23. “Secondly, preventing and avoiding mass violence is a responsibility shared by all Congolese parties, in the opposition as well as the Government. Violence in the streets must never become the last resort for achieving any political objectives. We very much hope that the opposition leaders will show how determined they are to prevent demonstrations from being spoiled by violence. I am very much in agreement with Mr. Sidikou when he rightly said that a display of political will on both sides is urgently needed. Lastly, during our meeting in Kinshasa some members of the ruling party told us that logistical and financial difficulties were preventing them from organizing the elections on time. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is proud of its national institutions.”

    2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source

24. “I would like to thank Special Representative Sidikou and Assistant Secretary- General Zerihoun for their briefings. Japan welcomes the timely adoption today of presidential statement S/PRST/2016/18, following the Council's visit to the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo last month. With 19 December two weeks away, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is entering a critical phase on the peace and security front. Japan would like to urge the Congolese stakeholders to heed the following three points. First, the Government and the opposition should engage seriously in a direct dialogue. During the Council's visit to Kinshasa, I advocated strongly for ensuring that President Kabila and Mr. Tshisekedi have direct talks aimed at finding a way forward. Both parties should show leadership in that regard.”

    2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source

25. “I sincerely urge all Council members not to abandon our collective and individual efforts, and to resume our discussions immediately after today's meeting.”

    2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7825 (2016) · source

26. “Japan supported the draft resolution (S/2016/1026) proposed by the three co-penholders - Egypt, New Zealand and Spain - because we believe that it could have served as a tool to meet the pressing humanitarian needs in Aleppo and elsewhere in Syria. As Japan has often emphasized, our most important priority is to take action that improves the situation on the ground, regardless of the ongoing political impasse. It is deeply regrettable that the Security Council has once again failed to overcome its differences. The Council is ultimately responsible for addressing the devastating humanitarian situation in Syria. We have worked hard, and we are close to reaching an agreement on how to alleviate the protracted suffering of the Syrian people.”

    2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7825 (2016) · source

27. “Sorry, as to the bringing of a bottle of wine, I do not find it anywhere in the provisional rules of procedure of the Security Council or in presidential note S/2010/507 a prohibition on bringing a bottle of wine to the Chamber.”

    2016-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7811 (2016) · source

28. “I therefore join New Zealand and the United Kingdom in their call for a reconsideration of the Council's working methods concerning the allocation of its time and energy. Even if a report is undertaken every three months, the Council has the flexibility to decide whether or not to receive a briefing on each occasion. It should be sufficient that the Council retains the flexibility to meet on the matter as needed, and UNMIK is a prime example. I look forward to discussing that matter further in the context of revising presidential note S/2010/507, although that really is just a matter of practice. In concluding, I would like to emphasize our continued support and appreciation for Special Representative of the Secretary-General Zahir Tanin.”

    2016-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7811 (2016) · source

29. “Let us seriously consider the possible withdrawal of UNMIK. On that matter, we should consider focusing our limited peacekeeping resources on other areas in the world where more serious clashes are evident. Having just returned from a Council visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, that is especially clear to me. A Security Council briefing every three months no longer seems necessary. To be honest, it gives me great pleasure to talk about my memories of Kosovo once every three months, but the efficient and effective functioning of the Council should take priority. Put in a very simple way, we have to consider how we use our time. Indeed, Council members have expressed keen interest in improving the Council's working methods.”

    2016-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7811 (2016) · source

30. “According to the International Monetary Fund, Kosovo achieved an enviable real economic growth of 4 per cent last year, with similar projections for the next five years. To be sure, Kosovo still faces many challenges. Progress it the talks between Kosovo and Serbia is slow, and the number of returnees to Kosovo remains small. However, the dialogue in Brussels between Kosovo and Serbia continues. Domestic political divisions on drawing the border with Montenegro are largely a matter for Kosovo's self- reliant democracy, although it is important to listen closely to the views of the minority. That leads me to a larger point. Kosovo is not without problems, but its various problems should in general be solved by the judgment of the people of Kosovo and the people of the region. Why the United Nations?”

    2016-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7811 (2016) · source

31. “When I asked a Japanese colleague in UNMIK for help, he was able to connect the vineyard owner with a Japanese trading company. Seventeen years later, the vintner is producing and exporting great wine like the wine I am holding, to acclaim from international wine lovers like me. Throughout Kosovo there are countless people like this genial vintner who have regained self-sufficiency with the support of Governments, the United Nations, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and, of course, individuals. It is the same thing for the Government of Kosovo. Since UNMIK's establishment 17 years ago, Kosovo has gained a Constitution, a Government and a parliament.”

    2016-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7811 (2016) · source

32. “When in 1999 I visited the owner of one of these vineyards, he told me that it would take several years before they could revive the vineyard and produce grapes for wine again. In the meantime, he hoped he could obtain capital from Japan for investment and labour costs to care for the vines and prepare them to restart producing grapes. These great vineyards had indeed fallen apart. Even if they once produced wonderful wine, I wondered, who would invest in them if they were not going to make a profit for several years? Then I was led inside the winery, where there were several large metallic tanks full of wine from years before. Naturally, I asked for a taste. It was delicious red wine with an exceptional aroma. An idea came to me: if this wine were sold, it could bring funds to the vintner.”

    2016-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7811 (2016) · source

33. “I would like to thank Special Representative Tanin for his briefing and continued service. I have always followed Kosovo with great interest since the time I spent from 1999 to 2000 serving as Chief Political Officer in the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Today, I have brought with me a bottle of wine from Kosovo, a cabernet sauvignon from the Bodrumi i Vjeter winery. Now, I know that the Security Council is not a place to talk about wine, but I have a reason for doing so. I want to share a short anecdote with the Council. In the Prizren region in the southern part ofKosovo, there are high-quality vineyards, believe it or not. But as a result ofthe conflict in the late 1990s, these vineyards fell into disuse and were abandoned.”

    2016-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7811 (2016) · source

34. “Japan is particularly concerned about the impact on the stability of the country of the referendum in the Republika Srpska. The referendum was held against the orders of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As it has done for the past quarter century, the international community must continue to provide the vision to resolve the ethnic tensions that have plagued the region. The future is in reconciliation, not in confrontation. The future is in integration, including market integration, not in secession. Member States should bolster reconciliation and avoid fanning ethnic tensions. The Security Council must speak with one voice in urging dialogue among the various ethnic groups. The Office of the High Representative continues to be vital for the peace and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

    2016-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7803 (2016) · source

35. “When I was in Kosovo, the prevailing perspective was that the Dayton Agreement had sowed interim stability, and it was our belief that in the long term, Kosovo's borders would become unnecessary and meaningless in tandem with its regional integration within the European Union (EU). Japan therefore welcomes the decision by the EU General Affairs Council to accept the application of Bosnia and Herzegovina for membership in the EU. We also welcome the approval of the Extended Fund Facility to Bosnia and Herzegovina by the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund, which will enhance economic stability. It is nonetheless disappointing to see actions that foment ethnically based divisions and run contrary to the vision of the Dayton Agreement.”

    2016-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7803 (2016) · source

36. “The town of Pale in the Republika Srpska - just 13 kilometres away from Sarajevo, on the other side of the mountain - had no interaction at all with Sarajevo. I recall hoping that the ethnic tensions would be resolved over time through efforts by all sides to overcome the very difficult matter of ethnic tension. As a member of the Peace Implementation Council, Japan has contributed to the implementation of the Peace Agreement by emphasizing mutuality among different ethnic groups. Since the collapse ofthe former Yugoslavia, ethnic tensions have continued to affect the Balkans.”

    2016-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7803 (2016) · source

37. “Iwish to express my gratitude to Ambassador Valentin Inzko, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzogovina, for his informative briefing. Japan appreciates the High Representative's ongoing contribution to peace and stability in the country. We also welcome the unanimous adoption of resolution 2315 (2016), which supports the implementation of the Dayton Agreement. The Dayton Agreement was the best and wisest choice available to the international community in 1995. I remember being struck by what I saw when I visited Sarajevo as the ChiefPolitical Officer for United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo in 1999. In addition to the ravages of war, I saw a total lack of communication, five years following the Agreement.”

    2016-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7803 (2016) · source

38. “Japan has sent monitoring missions to a number of elections in the region and has been the biggest donor to the OSCE's capacity-building project for border control officials. We are pleased to play a bridging role between Asia and Europe, including through active participation in Asia Contact Group's group meetings. We look forward to further cooperation with the OSCE in this regard. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of building mutual trust and confidence in maintaining peace and stability in the region and the international community as a whole. Japan strongly hopes that United Nations Member States and organizations in the Chamber today will redouble their efforts to that end.”

    2016-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7796 (2016) · source

39. “In addition, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is a significant and more inclusive platform for building mutual trust and confidence in the region and sharing knowledge through assistance to institution-building. It has a very broad European membership that extends beyond major parties to the three organizations present in the Chamber and includes Mongolia. Japan believes the OSCE is an important channel through which we contribute to security issues in and outside Europe and Central Asia. Japan is proud to be the OSCE's oldest partner. Since 1992, we have deepened dialogue and cooperation and have contributed both funding and personnel to the Organization.”

    2016-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7796 (2016) · source

40. “Hence, activities by these organizations must be conducive to building mutual trust and confidence, not only among their members, but also with countries from outside that region. Japan has deep bonds with Central Asian countries that are members of the aforementioned organizations. Our goal is to bolster inclusive, stable and independent development, while also contributing to regional and international peace and stability. In addition to a wide spectrum of bilateral cooperation, Japan has held Central Asia plus Japan dialogues to address regional challenges, such as anti-drug measures and border control. We have also promoted practical cooperation in areas ranging from agriculture to transport and distribution.”

    2016-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7796 (2016) · source

41. “Let me first express my gratitude to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the heads of the organizations present for their respective briefings. In today's world, no nation can maintain its peace and security in isolation. Therefore, it is critically important to deepen cooperation between the United Nations and regional security frameworks, in addition to encouraging collaboration between allies and like-minded countries. The key is to build trust and confidence among nations and regional organizations. We have been briefed by the three organizations represented here today on measures for maintaining peace and security in Europe and in neighbouring regions. The founding declarations on the charters of these organizations enunciate their adherence to the objectives and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”

    2016-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7796 (2016) · source

42. “Hence, Japan has contributed and will continue to contribute to that body, both financially and with personnel. Here, I would like to underline that the Security Council should play an active role in fact-finding and ensuring accountability in that regard. Japan is determined to collaborate with the United Nations and all the parties concerned on that issue.”

    2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source

43. “28) The recommendation goes on to state that "[w]hen Member States fail to carry out such investigations, the Security Council should consider establishing international fact-finding missions or commissions of inquiry, or have recourse to the International Humanitarian Fact Finding Commission established pursuant to Article 90 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions." (ibid., para. 30) It further reads that "Member States and parties to armed conflicts should provide support to, and facilitate the work of, fact-finding missions" (ibid., para. 31). Here, Japan emphasizes the important role of the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission in ensuring the objective and fair application of international humanitarian law.”

    2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source

44. “When such attacks are conducted, the facts of the attack are difficult to ascertain, different sides of the conflict cast blame on each other, no thorough investigation is ever conducted and therefore, ultimately, accountability cannot be enforced. In that context, I would like to draw the Council's attention to the Secretary-General's recommendations. Recommendation 11 indicates that Member States "should develop protocols and processes to ensure full, prompt, impartial, independent and effective investigations into allegations of serious violations of international law relating to the protection of medical care in armed conflict." (S/2016/722, annex, para.”

    2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source

45. “We share our grief and anger with Medecins Sans Frontieres and the International Committee of the Red Cross. We would like to express our profound respect for the courage and devotion of all medical staff working in the field during the conflict. We thank those who helped draft the Secretary- General's recommendations to the Council, detailing various practical measures. Japan would like to once again urge all parties to armed conflict to take concrete actions in furtherance of the recommendations before us and the briefings delivered today, in order to protect medical care in armed conflict. I fully agree with the Ambassador of Malaysia in believing that one of the main factors behind the failure to prevent the recurrence of attacks against medical facilities is the lack of accountability.”

    2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source

46. “We believe that attacks on medical facilities for strategic purposes are malicious, beyond human decency and absolutely unacceptable. In service of that belief, Japan took the lead, along with Egypt, New Zealand, Spain and Uruguay, in drafting and ensuring the adoption of resolution 2286 (2016) in May. The adoption of the resolution by consensus demonstrated the firm commitment of the Security Council to ensuring that medical facilities are fully protected and secured, even under combat. However, as briefed by the representatives of Medecins Sans Frontieres and the International Committee of the Red Cross earlier, attacks against medical facilities have continued in those conflict areas even after the adoption of resolution 2286 (2016). The lives of medical workers remain under threat, and their deaths continue.”

    2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source

47. “Mr. President, I thank you for convening this meeting. I would also like to convey my gratitude to the Secretary-General; to Ms. Liu, International President of Medecins Sans Frontieres; and Mr. Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, for their briefings and, of course, their appeal to the Security Council. Even in times of peace and stability, medical facilities and medical care save lives every day, but in the context of armed conflict, access to medical care becomes an immediate life-or-death concern for all innocent civilians caught in the grips of war. Hospitals represent the last, and sometimes only, hope for survival for those that are injured. Attacks on medical facilities threaten or even dash that hope.”

    2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source

48. “Humanitarian convoys scheduled to deliver items to eastern Aleppo are sitting at the Turkey- Syria border but the food supplies will soon expire. We strongly urge the Syrian Government, opposition groups, and all States that have influence on them to work to enable these trucks to enter into eastern Aleppo. We all share the view that only an immediate ceasefire can alleviate this devastating situation. Without a ceasefire, the increase to humanitarian access, the protection of civilians, and the resumption of the political process will never be attained. The important thing now is to get the agreement between Russia and the United States back on track. In light of the horrible intensification of the fighting and the catastrophic humanitarian situation, we must overcome our differences and unite to halt this breathtaking tragedy.”

    2016-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7777 (2016) · source

49. “Japan extends its sincere condolences to the families of all humanitarian workers killed while doing their invaluable work in Syria. Japan calls upon the United Nations to investigate this incident and to release the results publicly. Furthermore, Japan calls upon all of the relevant stakeholders to ensure the security of humanitarian aid workers who engage in humanitarian assistance in Syria. The results of the escalation of the fighting in Aleppo during the past few days is reported to have been extremely devastating. We express our deepest concern about the situation on the ground. Protection and access must be achieved urgently. A particularly serious test for humanitarian access will arrive on Monday.”

    2016-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7777 (2016) · source

50. “I thank you, Madam, for convening this meeting. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for Syria, Mr. Staffan de Mistura for his detailed briefing. Last week, the week of 19 September, was the high-level week for the General Assembly. It should have been a breakthrough for the crisis in Syria. We had already welcomed the agreement reached on 9 September between the United States and the Russian Federation. We expected that the reduction in violence would allow for expanded and unimpeded humanitarian access and the resumption of the political process. Instead, this year's high-level week began with the shocking news from Oram Al-Kubra in rural Aleppo. A warehouse of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) and a United Nations-SARC aid convey were attacked.”

    2016-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7777 (2016) · source