YouSaid · the spoken record

Okamura

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238

first

2014-09-08

most recent

2017-03-09

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43

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un-security-council

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1. “We look forward to furthering our discussions at the upcoming session of the ICAO Assembly, which will start next week and at which Japan will contribute to the discussion on the development of a global aviation security plan. Our fight against terrorist threats to civil aviation is far from over. As a responsible member of the international community and of the Security Council, Japan will continue its efforts in tackling our common threat.”

   2016-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7775 (2016) · source

2. “In that context, I would like to refer to the Group of Seven (G-7) action plan on countering terrorism and violent extremism, which was developed in May under the Japanese presidency of the G-7 to strengthen the overall capacity ofthe international community to fight against terrorism and violent extremism, including in the area of aviation security. As mentioned in the action plan, Japan calls upon all States to duly implement the standards of annex 17 to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aciation and also to recognize and address the threat to access control and other airport landside-security-related measures covered therein. We also believe that there is room for improvement to fill the gaps between the outcome of ICAO audits and aviation security measures on the ground.”

   2016-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7775 (2016) · source

3. “Japan firmly supports the important role that ICAO has played in the area of aviation security and has been actively working on the Aviation Security Panel and various working groups under the Panel, including the meeting of the working group on guidance material that Japan hosted in Fukuoka last January. Beyond our activities on the Panel, Japan has been the second largest contributor to the regular ICAO budget since 1987 and makes large contributions to activities related to security. There is a strong need for the international community to keep taking steps to improve aviation security.”

   2016-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7775 (2016) · source

4. “We have also hosted a seminar on aviation security with our partners from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund. In addition to those past efforts, Prime Minister Abe announced earlier this month that Japan will provide approximately $450 million over the next three years to Asia for comprehensive counter-terrorism measures, including the enhancement of airport security. Japan will remain engaged in assisting other countries to address the threat. Thirdly, I would like to touch upon the role that Japan has played in ICAO.”

   2016-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7775 (2016) · source

5. “First, there are our domestic efforts. Japan is widely known for its public safety, and, at the same time, Japanese authorities are nevertheless working tirelessly to mitigate possible threats of terrorism to civil aviation. For example, the installation of body scanners in airports throughout the country is under progress, a measure driven by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism. Secondly, we provide international assistance to partner States. Last year, Japan funded the placement of surveillance cameras in international airports in Africa to bolster their security. In South Asia, over the past three years, Japan has provided assistance that can mitigate terrorism risks to civilian aviation to Pakistan and Bangladesh.”

   2016-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7775 (2016) · source

6. “There has been much progress in improving aviation security worldwide since that tragedy, but there have been enough instances to remind us that the threat against aviation security remains high. Resolution 2309 (2016), which was just adopted unanimously, provides the political momentum to accelerate global efforts to address the issue. Japan was therefore pleased to co-sponsor the resolution. We believe that it sends a strong political message of our unified determination to the international community. According to statistics published by ICAO, Japan is the world's seventh largest air-transport State. That single statistic is indicative of the critical importance of aviation security in our national interests. Today, I would like to highlight three ways in which Japan has been working to improve aviation security worldwide.”

   2016-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7775 (2016) · source

7. “Allow me to express my gratitude to you, Sir, for convening today's important and timely meeting on aviation security. I also thank Ms. Fang Liu, Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), for her briefing. Above all, I would like to thank the United Kingdom and Mr. Boris Johnson for taking the lead in putting today's meeting together. We believe that it is timely for the Security Council to take this issue up, given the growing threat to the security of aircraft and airports in recent years. Civil aviation has been an attractive target for terrorists over the past decades, as this city remembers very vividly and literally through what it witnessed 15 years ago.”

   2016-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7775 (2016) · source

8. “In Japan, we say that on a trip, just as it is reassuring to have a companion, it is similarly important to support each other on the journey through life. Japan pledged to be such a companion to the people of Colombia as they advance on their journey towards true reconciliation.”

   2016-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7768 (2016) · source

9. “All parties should work together to the process forward, but we, the international community, also have a vital role to play through the United Nations mission in Colombia. Having co-sponsored resolution 2261 (2016) and 2307 (2016), Japan fully supports the mission. We look forward to the mission's success over the course of the coming year. Japan also underlines its continued commitment to the political process and to the equitable and sustainable socioeconomic development of Colombia, including through the rehabilitation of victims and post-conflict assistance, such as demining. After more than five decades of conflict, Colombia is approaching a critical phase in achieving national unity and overcoming its remaining challenges, including the laying down of arms and reintegration.”

   2016-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7768 (2016) · source

10. “Japan is very pleased to have co-sponsored resolution 23 07 (2016), unanimously adopted today. It is an enormous step forward for Colombia's reconciliation and development after half a century of conflict and four years of peace talks. Japan would like once again to welcome the final peace Agreement between the Government of Colombia and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia - Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP) on 24 August. We congratulate the parties on this historic achievement for the good of the people of Colombia. Japan particularly commends Cuba, Norway, Chile and Venezuela for their contribution to the process. We now turn to the essential work of implementation. As was emphasized in resolution 2261 (2016), the people of Colombia must be true owners of the Agreement.”

    2016-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7768 (2016) · source

11. “In conclusion, I would like to express my strong expectation that the Kosovar people, who are well- qualified and well-equipped, will fulfil that challenge and thereby shape their own future.”

    2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7760 (2016) · source

12. “Effective tax collection ensures a sustainable budget and the allocation of national income to deal with the provision of public services. In a nutshell, the key to peace and security in Kosovo is the establishment of robust, functional institutions. In paragraph 47 of the report of the Secretary- General, UNMIK "has provided operational assistance to law enforcement and judicial entities in Kosovo." In my View, that sort of assistance is crucial. I encourage UNMIK to further its efforts in providing assistance to the Kosovo authorities in institution-building. It is my hope that Kosovo will be awarded a gold medal in the area of institution-building and be capable of standing on its own two feet.”

    2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7760 (2016) · source

13. “There is a coal mine and a zinc mine, and zinc appears to be the most promising sector for export. Agriculture is rich. It not only provides jobs for approximately 40 per cent of the population, but also remains a main creator of wealth through the farming of potatoes. Kosovo potatoes are of a very good quality. And Kosovo has now started exporting fruit, including berries, to Europe. It may not be common knowledge that Kosovo wines are good. The Kosovo wine industry faced a catastrophic decline in the 1990s, of course, but it is recovering now. Again, institution-building matters. Measures such as taxation, revenue reform and fair welfare distribution are crucial to economic growth in conflict-affected countries like Kosovo.”

    2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7760 (2016) · source

14. “Fumio Kishida, encouraged us to focus on the significant role played by institution-building. That message can be also applied to Kosovo. For example, in order to eradicate violence and terror, the police forces in communities need to be trained. For enhanced rule of law and human rights, promoting capacity-building for legal institutions, courts and other judicial structures is crucial. As described in the report of the Secretary- General, we see efforts by the Kosovo authorities in the area of counter-terrorism. Then comes the question of how to finance and sustain the institution-building. We know that Kosovo remains one of the poorest countries in Europe, largely reflecting its legacies of conflict. However, I would like to underline that Kosovo is a country rich in resources. Kosovo has natural resources.”

    2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7760 (2016) · source

15. “Kosovo has performed well in its endeavours following the conflict, and is deemed to be a good example and precedent to follow. I am talking in general terms. In the aftermath of conflict, the society and community are mostly devastated - violence is all around, criminality is high, social justice is not assured, corruption is everywhere, access to public services is problematic and scarce and internally displaced persons are unable to return home. Even though political leaders tell the people that they are doing their utmost to assure democracy, good governance, the rule of law, human rights and safety and security, the people do not trust the Government. What is the remedy? At the open debate ofthe Council in July on the issue of peacebuilding in Africa (see S/PV.7750), our Foreign Minister Mr.”

    2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7760 (2016) · source

16. “I believe that gold medal made history at Kosovo's first Olympics, and Ms. Kelmendi's victory has sent a strong message of hope to the people of Kosovo. The latest report (S/2016/666) of the Secretary- General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo gave me the impression that Kosovo has not yet qualified for a medal in its challenge of institution building. There were dozens of security incidents alleged during the reporting period. We do not see as much significant progress as expected in Serbia- Kosovo relations. The report of the Secretary- General, like previous ones, tells us that political tension remains. We all know well that much more effort is needed to resolve a conflict once it erupts than to prevent a situation from turning into a conflict.”

    2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7760 (2016) · source

17. “I thank Ambassador Zahir Tanin, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, for his comprehensive briefing. I also welcome Mr. Ivica Dacic', First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, and Ambassador Vlora Citaku to the Security Council. I will also start with the Rio Olympics. The gold medal in the women's 52 kilogramme judo division, won by Kosovar athlete Majlinda Kelmendi, was also one of the most emotional episodes in Japan, not because Ms. Kelmendi defeated the Japanese contestant in the semi-finals and the Japanese contestant won the bronze medal, but because all the Japanese people were moved by her achievement under such adverse conditions. And we all congratulated her for her gold medal wholeheartedly.”

    2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7760 (2016) · source

18. “However, once a pause or ceasefire is attained, and in parallel with the pursuit of a political solution, we also should consider how we can support early recovery and strengthen the resilience of Syrian society. Most importantly, we should provide livelihoods, rehabilitate social infrastructure and strengthen social cohesion, thereby providing hope to individuals and communities in Syria facing very difficult challenges. The international community must invest in preparedness and resilience in Syrian society in order to prevent recurrent crises.”

    2016-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7757 (2016) · source

19. “I understand that the Russian Federation has expressed its readiness to support a 48-hour military pause in Aleppo. That would be a hugely important step in changing the situation in Aleppo. In order for that to happen, and for United Nations and non-governmental organizations to safely access the area, the cooperation of opposition forces is also essential. We should appeal to the Syrian Government, opposition forces and all influential parties in that regard. The international community is watching to see whether the Security Council and the ISSG can improve the situation on the ground. Our credibility is on the line. The besieged areas and parts ofAleppo will demand our attention for some time to come.”

    2016-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7757 (2016) · source

20. “Japan appreciates the co-chairs' efforts to improve the situation on the ground, and joins the Secretary- General in urging an agreement as soon as possible. At the same time, I also want to urge all parties to redouble their efforts to prevent the tragedy in Syria from getting any worse. United Nations humanitarian aid must move firmly forward, and the Four Towns agreement must be implemented. This is the time for influential countries in the region to play a leading role. I also want to take a moment to express my profound gratitude to our United Nations and non-governmental organization colleagues on the ground, who are risking their lives to help the people of Syria even as the fighting worsens. I also urge the Syrian Government and all related parties to use caution to ensure the safety of the people.”

    2016-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7757 (2016) · source

21. “It pains me to see how badly the situation in Syria has deteriorated. Many of us have been reminded of the scope of the tragedy through the heartbreaking image of five-year-old Omran Daqneesh. I was horrified to see the dust and blood covering Omran's young face, but the brave hospital and aid workers on the ground tell us that there are many, many more children just like Omran in Syria today. So what can we do? Humanitarian efforts are under way, and we are urging all influential parties to do their part. But we should all be deeply troubled to see such a catastrophe continue unresolved. In his latest report (S/2016/714), the Secretary-General urges the United States and the Russian Federation, the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) co-chairs, to rapidly reach an agreement for a ceasefire in Aleppo and beyond.”

    2016-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7757 (2016) · source

22. “First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Stephen O'Brien for his briefing and for his commitment to and engagement in saving the lives of the people of Syria. Last December, the Council gathered in this Chamber to unanimously adopt resolution 2254 (2015), and expressed hope about advances in the political process (see S/PV.7588). Then, in February, we adopted resolution 2268 (2016), endorsing the cessation of hostilities agreement. And now, six months later, it is hard to believe that only half a year ago, we were discussing a cessation of hostilities for all of Syria. Today, the picture is terribly different. For the past month, our attention has centred on Aleppo, and Castello Road in particular. We are far from being able to discuss a nationwide cessation of hostilities, and instead find ourselves focused on a very particular area.”

    2016-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7757 (2016) · source

23. “Haysom all the best in his future career, and Japan intends to continue supporting UNAMA's activities under the new Special Representative of the Secretary- General as well.”

    2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source

24. “Afghanistan has thrived at the crossroads of civilizations since ancient times. Now we place Afghanistan at the heart of Asia, which invites regional cooperation for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. Japan is determined, together with the international community, to continue supporting the Afghan Government's endeavour for peace and prosperity and to contribute to promoting economic cooperation and integration in the region. In conclusion, I once again express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Haysom for his efforts in extremely difficult circumstances. In particular, Mr. Haysom successfully established a communication channel with the National Unity Government and has strongly supported its reform endeavours in such areas as humanitarian assistance, electoral reform, coordination of development assistance and anti-corruption. I wish Mr.”

    2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source

25. “Haysom said, "For 2016, survival will be an achievement for the National Unity Government" (S/PV7645, p. 2). Indeed, 2016 is crucial for Afghanistan and the international community. Japan intends to contribute to achieving successful outcomes at the Brussels conference in October, which will be an important milestone for the development of Afghanistan. The Afghan Government and the donors have been working towards consolidating the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework to help ensure the success of the Brussels conference. Among the priorities listed in the Framework, we highly value agriculture, energy and improving economic connectivity. With a view to ensuring the transparency and accountability of assistance, it is our hope that the opinions of the donors will be taken into account in the Framework.”

    2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source

26. “However, they are not fully accessed or utilized due to such obstacles as security concerns and underdeveloped infrastructure. It is very regrettable that civilian casualties in the first quarter of 2016 were the highest on record since 2009. Our assistance programmes on the ground cannot be implemented in their full scale because ofAfghanistan's fragile security situation. Japan understands that Afghanistan is under the threat of violent extremism. At the same time, it is crucial for Afghanistan to realize economic and social self-reliance and sustainable growth so that it can overcome the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism. All the commitments made by the Government of Afghanistan must be translated into action. In March, at the debate on UNAMA, Mr.”

    2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source

27. “In front of the National Museum in Kabul, there is a small board with a message: "Our nation stays alive when its culture stays alive". I heard that many visitors to the special exhibition in Tokyo were impressed by that message, thinking about the long history of Afghanistan and hoping for peace and stability in that country. The preservation of the Afghan cultural heritage has been one of the main areas of Japan's assistance to Afghanistan. Since 2003, Japan has been undertaking a project entitled "Safeguarding of the Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley", through the UNESCO/Japanese Funds-in-Trust Trust for the Preservation of World Cultural Heritage. Afghanistan is rich, not only in culture, but also in agricultural and mineral resources.”

    2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source

28. “Let me first express my gratitude to you, Mr. President, for convening this debate. My gratitude also goes to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, Mr. Nicholas Haysom, for his last but, as usual, comprehensive briefing today. Japan appreciates Mr. Haysom's tireless efforts during the past two years as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and commends his achievements. Today, I will start with a cultural aspect. Until two days ago, a special exhibition, entitled "Hidden Treasures from the National Museum in Kabul", was on display in Tokyo. There on display were 231 ancient art works from Afghanistan, enjoyed by more than 200,000 museum visitors in Fukuoka and Tokyo.”

    2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source

29. “We are also concerned about the decreased ability of UNAMID to function, especially in the light of such logistical issues as the problem of containers. In order to resolve these issues, we look forward to further cooperation between the Government of the Sudan and UNAMID, in accordance with the relevent Council resolutions, for the sake of the Sudanese people in need. Without the cooperation of States, the ICC cannot execute its mandate. We urge all States, including non-State parties and concerned regional and other international organizations, to cooperate fully with the ICC, in accordance with resolution 1593 (2005), which binds all United Nations Member States.”

    2016-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7710 (2016) · source

30. “Japan welcomes the signing by the Government of the Sudan, in Addis Ababa on 20 March, of the road map addressing the most important issues: the ceasefire, the delivery of humanitarian aid and a truly inclusive national dialogue. We call upon other parties to sign the road map. In that regard, we appreciate the continued efforts exerted by the State of Qatar, especially the holding late last month of the recent Doha meeting with armed groups and the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). We are concerned about the access restrictions currently in place in Central Darfur, and call upon all parties to grant access to the conflict areas so that humanitarian actors can quickly address the humanitarian situation.”

    2016-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7710 (2016) · source

31. “Despite the efforts of the ICC, it is regrettable that justice has not been served on behalf of the victims in Darfur. We note the Trial Chamber's finding in its decision on the Banda case that the Sudan had failed to cooperate with the Court. We stress that resolution 1593 (2005) decided that the Government of the Sudan and all other parties to the conflict in Darfur should cooperate fully with the ICC and the Prosecutor. We urge the full implementation of the resolution in order to achieve justice in Darfur. It is appropriate for the Council to follow up on this matter, particularly the decision on the Banda case, as communicated to the Council on 11 December 2015. To make Darfur stable, there is no choice but to move the political process forward.”

    2016-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7710 (2016) · source

32. “Let me begin by thanking Prosecutor Bensouda for her briefing and for introducing her twenty-third report on Darfur. We are convinced of the importance of the fight against impunity and the rule of law. That is why Japan has consistently supported the activities of the International Criminal Court (ICC). I would like to assure the Prosecutor of Japan's full support for the work of her Office. In 2005, Japan, as a member of the Council, supported resolution 1593 (2005), which referred the situation in Darfur to the ICC. In light of the serious Violations of human rights committed in Darfur, we believed that there was a role for the ICC in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Japan respects the independence and decisions of the ICC concerning arrest warrants emanating from resolution 1593 (2005).”

    2016-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7710 (2016) · source

33. “Finally, Japan values the cooperation between the EU and the United Nations under the framework of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. I strongly hope that the EU will continue to play an important role in the field of peace and security.”

    2016-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7705 (2016) · source

34. “In this light, on the occasion of the Summit of the Group of Seven, held in Ise-Shima just two weeks ago, our Prime Minister announced the provision of an assistance package of approximately $6 billion for stability and human resource development in the Middle East and North Africa region from 2016 to 2018. Furthermore, Japan reiterates its position that a political approach is what can enable a durable solution to the crises of the region and that a military approach alone is not sufficient. We therefore reiterate our support for United Nations-led efforts in pursuing political solutions aimed at the achievement of peace, security and unity in Libya, Syria and Yemen and the settlement of other crises in the region.”

    2016-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7705 (2016) · source

35. “Japan provided radio equipment and vehicles with such equipment to integral command centres of the Niger, to which the EU provides capacity- building training. I hope that these cooperation programmes between Japan and EU will contribute to better security in the above-mentioned countries and the entire region. The Middle East is where both the United Nations and the EU play in important role. Japan, along with the EU, is determined to address the causes and consequences of the ongoing instability in the Middle East. We have been addressing not only the immediate humanitarian needs for targeting the mass displacement brought on by violent extremism, but have lead long- term efforts for the return and reintegration of refugees and the building of the foundations for post-conflict recovery.”

    2016-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7705 (2016) · source

36. “While the European Union provided training for Malian gendarmerie, police and national guard under the framework of the European Union Capacity Building Mission Sahel Mali, Japan provided assistance for the refurbishment of existing facilities, the provision of equipment and the capacity-building of trainers in the security sector in Mali in order to contribute to the enhancement of the training capabilities provided by the EU. Another example is Somalia, which also faces big security challenges. Japan and the EU have been jointly providing the salaries of the Somali security force officers. Another example is the Niger, which is important in preventing the flow of insecurity in the Sahel region.”

    2016-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7705 (2016) · source

37. “Mr. Okamura (Japan) (spoke in French): I would like to begin by welcoming Ms. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and thanking her for her very enriching and comprehensive presentation. (Spoke in English) Japan and the European Union (EU) are strategic partners based on common values, such as democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law. Our partnership is comprehensive in nature and we cooperate in various fields, including peace and security, the economy and global issues. With regard to peace and security cooperation, Japan and the EU recently conductedjoint programmes in Africa to improve our security situations. I would like to take as an example our cooperation in Mali where the security situation is very unstable.”

    2016-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7705 (2016) · source

38. “(spoke in French) I take this opportunity to wish every success to Ambassador Francois Delattre during his presidency next month. He can rely on my team and particularly on me in ensuring the best outcome of the Council's work.”

    2016-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7703 (2016) · source

39. “A few days after the adoption, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) sent an open letter to all United Nations Member States. In the letter, the ICRC welcomed the adoption of the resolution and urged Member States to reaffirm the importance of compliance with international humanitarian law and to take action in accordance with resolution 2286 (2016). We are glad to hear of the positive reaction on the part of the ICRC. The situations on the ground in Syria and other countries, including Yemen, Afghanistan, Libya and Mali, are still grim. We must remain vigilant and urge all parties to conflict to abide by the resolution. In closing, I would like to commend you, Mr. President, and the entire Egyptian team for your splendid, very well organized and skilful work.”

    2016-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7703 (2016) · source

40. “If State authority is not extended sufficiently to the areas liberated from Al-Shabaab, power vacuums will be created and terrorists will take advantage of them. Strong administrative institutions also need to be firmly in place. The Federal Government in Mogadishu will then have authority with substance. Only a Government with strong institutions will allow the Council to consider a possible exit strategy for the African Union Mission in Somalia in the long run. Japan will highlight the importance of institution- building in the open debate on peacebuilding in Africa during its Council presidency in July. On 3 May, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2286 (2016) on health care in armed conflict, with 85 sponsors. It was our great honour to co-author the resolution, together with Spain, New Zealand, Egypt and Uruguay.”

    2016-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7703 (2016) · source

41. “The Council should continue to do all that it can in supporting the Somali-led transition process. In Somalia, after more than 20 years of the absence of a central Government, it may be difficult for the people to really recognize the legitimacy of the Government. Choosing their leaders through elections does not necessarily mean accepting the State's authority. The Government should provide security and administrative and social services to the people as peace dividends in order to gain their trust. In following the formula of Abraham Lincoln, the Somalis have built a Government of the people and by the people, but it remains a big challenge to turn it into a Government for the people. Above all, we need to urgently establish a strong security sector.”

    2016-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7703 (2016) · source

42. “I would like to begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, on a very successful presidency during the month of May. First, let me touch upon the Security Council mission to the Horn of Africa. At such an important juncture in Somalia's Statebuilding, the mission was both timely and beneficial. I thank the Egyptian presidency for taking the initiative to organize that visit. With regard to the political process, the most pressing issue is the electoral process. During the meeting in Mogadishu, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud promised to hold elections in August in order to build a united Somalia. In keeping with his word, he issued a presidential decree regarding the elections on 22 May. It was a very encouraging development and demonstrated the difference the Council can make on the ground when it visits the countries on its agenda.”

    2016-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7703 (2016) · source

43. “This coming August the next TICAD will be held in Africa, at the summit level, for the first time in the African continent's history. We look forward to the active participation of countries from the Sahel region and the G-5 Sahel.”

    2016-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7699 (2016) · source

44. “When Japan was implementing the technology-transfer project to counter desertification in Burkina Faso, we recognized the potential difficulty of ensuring sustainable maintenance and the practical difficulties of applying advanced technologies to local conditions. We drew two lessons from that experience. The first was that it is very important to make full use of traditional knowledge and customary procedures. The second was that in order to ensure ownership, decision-making must be promoted at the community level through the traditional system. The efforts of the United Nations and other international partners in the Sahel should be guided by the principles of ownership and consideration of the local context. Ownership has been one of the core principles guiding the J apan-led multi-stakeholder TICAD process for more than two decades.”

    2016-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7699 (2016) · source

45. “In the case of Burkina Faso and Niger 1 was ambassador some time ago, and I witnessed those cases. In Burkina Faso local communities have been constructing more thane 1,400 reservoirs for irrigation but also in anticipation of future droughts. Their society is a model ofpeople combining their efforts, not only to prepare for the worse, but also to reinforce the foundations of their livelihoods. In Niger, various ethnic communities are politically represented and integrated into the central Government, and that ensures effective and responsible governance throughout the country despite its vast territory and great diversity. I believe there are two keys to creating societies that are resilient to threats. The first is ownership and the second is consideration of the local context.”

    2016-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7699 (2016) · source

46. “That includes capacity-building support for some 2,000 people in the Sahel aimed at enhancing counter-terrorism capacity. That support was announced by Prime Minister Abe at the TICAD-V thematic session dedicated to the Sahel. The role of the Group of Five Sahel (G-5 Sahel) in promoting the UNISS should also be commended. The G-5 Sahel has made efforts to foster regional capacities through the establishment of subregional training schools in the field of security and defence. We fully support such actions. Countries that have more or less successfully implemented the UNISS, including through inclusive governance and social cohesion, show greater resilience to terrorism, organized crime, drought and other threats to peace and security. I was ambassador to some of those countries.”

    2016-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7699 (2016) · source

47. “I saw the reality with my own eyes in northern Mali, where, due to the absence of State authority, the local population has no choice but to coexist with terrorists and to depend on an informal economy. Despite all the challenges, there remains hope. Some countries are becoming resilient to the threats. Building resilient societies in the Sahel is an achievable goal. The United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS) is a valuable tool to that end. One of the key elements overarching the UNISS strategic goals is the importance of institutional capacity-building, which Japan fully supports. Indeed, Japan's commitments to institution- and capacity-building in Africa, which were made at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-V) have already been translated into concrete actions.”

    2016-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7699 (2016) · source

48. “I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation for the initiative of Egypt and and Spain in convening this briefing. Allow me also to join others in thanking all of the four briefers. (Spoke in French) I should like in particular to thank Ms. Hindour Oumarou Ibrahim for having conveyed the voice of the people of her region directly to the Security Council. (Spoke in English) Japan looks forward to the acceleration of the United Nations actions in the Sahel under the leadership of Mr. Ibn Chambas as Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel. The Sahel faces many major challenges today. Peace and security remain fragile. The spread of terrorism from the Sahel to the rest of West Africa is worrisome.”

    2016-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7699 (2016) · source

49. “As yet, certain important security laws, such as the firearms and ammunition control act, have not been enacted. We certainly hope that they will be enacted expeditiously as the first step on the longer journey of institution-building. Such legislation will help to strengthen the capacities of the security sector and build trust between the people and the authorities. Japan is confident that Liberia's leadership will accelerate the necessary legislative processes with both determination and ownership. We trust that, with the support of the international community, including through the Peacebuilding Commission, Liberia will serve as a model for overcoming fragility and building sound and resilient institutions.”

    2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7695 (2016) · source

50. “Japan welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2288 (2016). We would like to express our appreciation to the Permanent Mission of the United States for leading the process towards its adoption. I would also like to thank the Permanent Representative of Ukraine, Chair of the sanctions committee, and the Panel of Experts for their dedicated work. After a 13-year sanctions regime, Liberia has overcome not only the threat of conflict but also the Ebola crisis that disrupted the country's peacebuilding process and took a devastating toll on the people of Liberia. Japan commends Liberia for its endurance in the face of such difficult challenges. The issue that remains for Liberia is to build resilient national institutions from which all Liberians - young and old, men and women - can benefit.”

    2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7695 (2016) · source