YouSaid · the spoken record

Satoh

lines on the record: 183
first: 1998-11-05
most recent: 2002-05-20
sittings or episodes: 28
sources: un-security-council

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

“Building upon the recommendations of the Panel of Experts and the Group of Governmental Experts on Small Arms, both of which were chaired by Ambassador Mitsuro Donowaki, the Japanese Government introduced the General Assembly resolution that led to the convening of the Conference on small arms. The Conference on small arms yet again impressed upon all those associated with it the tragic suffering that small arms have inflicted upon people all over the world and reaffirmed the urgent need to halt the excessive accumulation and illicit transfer of these weapons. The Programme of Action adopted at the Conference will certainly prove to be an historic first step in addressing the complicated issue of small arms, although we are aware that not all of the participating countries are fully satisfied with the measures contained in it.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“I would like to thank you, Sir, for your initiative in holding this open debate in a very timely manner. It is indeed encouraging that the Security Council remains engaged with this important issue, which has such profound implications for international security. I would also like to express our appreciation to the Government of Colombia, and particularly Ambassador Camilo Reyes, for the constructive role they played in leading the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects to the adoption of the Programme of Action. The Japanese Government has actively participated in international efforts to address the issue of small arms ever since former Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali first brought the problem to the attention of the international community in 1995.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“I would also to take this opportunity to urge all members of the Council, particularly the permanent members, to make further efforts to act together to resolve the situation. In dealing with an issue as difficult as the Iraqi situation, it is crucial that the Council act in unity. Unless the Council speaks with one voice, the prospect for breaking the current impasse will not improve. We look forward to the day when Iraq can normalize its relationship with the international community. This will be possible only when the provisions of the relevant Security Council resolutions are implemented. We sincerely hope that this will be achieved without further delay.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Japan, which has retained its bilateral diplomatic relations with Iraq throughout the past decade, has continuously sought to persuade the Government of Iraq to implement the relevant resolutions and to cooperate with the United Nations, particularly with the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission. Regrettably, such efforts by us and other members of the international community have so far reaped no discernible results. We would therefore like to take this opportunity once again to call on the Government of Iraq to cooperate with the United Nations and to implement the relevant Security Council resolutions as soon as possible. In this context, we hope that the dialogue between Iraq and the United Nations will be maintained.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It is in this context that we fully support the ongoing efforts of the Council to modify the current sanctions regime in line with resolution 1352 (2001), which was adopted unanimously. We will support any step to ease the suffering of the Iraqi people that does not compromise our common objective of resolving the disarmament issue in Iraq. I would like to add here that the interested States in the region should be consulted in the process of formulating the specifics of the new sanctions regime. Their cooperation is essential in order to ensure the effective implementation of such a new regime.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336Resumption1 (2001) · source
“A primary objective of the Council's resolutions is to ensure that Iraq no longer has the capacity to pose a threat to its neighbouring states. Also at stake is the credibility of international efforts for the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. As all know, Japan has been a strong advocate for the non-proliferation and eventual elimination of weapons of mass destruction. At the same time, we share with the international community the concern for the plight of the Iraqi people. We believe that there is a need to make adjustments to the current sanctions regime in order to alleviate their suffering, while retaining the objectives of the Council's resolutions.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I would like to thank you, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to participate in today's discussion on this important issue. Although it has been more than a decade since the ceasefire was achieved in the Gulf, the international community has yet to witness the full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 687 (1991), which stipulated the conditions for a formal ceasefire, nor have the provisions of resolution 1284 (1999), which seeks to gain Iraq's cooperation with the United Nations, been implemented. The current impasse, in which no progress can be made towards the implementation of the resolutions, is a source of profound concern to us. We must remember what is at stake: the peace and stability of the Middle East region.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336Resumption1 (2001) · source
“But they will continue to need the support and cooperation of the international community before and after independence. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to assure the Council and the representatives of East Timor that Japan will remain committed to help build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous East Timor.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It is evident that addressing the economic and social dimensions of the situation will be essential if East Timor is to develop as a Viable sovereign State. As we have emphasized in the past, ensuring continuity in the provision of international assistance is essential in order not to jeopardize the progress that has so far been made towards nation-building. In this context, we welcome the fact that UNTAET and the United Nations at Headquarters have established a working group and an integrated mission task force to draw up a blueprint for the future United Nations presence. We look forward to discussing the blueprint at the forthcoming donor conference to be held in Canberra in June. The people of East Timor have come a long way on the path to independence.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It is evident that all parties concerned, particularly the host country, should firmly deal with those engaged in such hostile actions. This would in turn serve as a deterrent to future such incidents. Violations of human rights and humanitarian law should be dealt with firmly, and Japan was encouraged by the steps taken by the Indonesian authorities, such as the Parliament's decision to establish an ad hoc tribunal to address gross violations. But we share the Secretary-General's concern over the limited jurisdiction of the tribunal, and we hope that the Indonesian Government will address the issue in such a way that would help ease our concern. Lastly, I would like to touch briefly upon the United Nations presence after independence.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It is for this reason that we would like to urge the Indonesian Government to continue its best efforts to resolve the problem by addressing the issue of militia activities, as well as the broader issue of reconciliation. It is equally important, of course, for the international community to provide necessary support to such an effort. In this context we welcome the decision of the United Nations Security Coordinator to organize an inter-agency security assessment mission to West Timor this month. Here I would like to stress anew the importance of the safety and security of international personnel. We also share the concern of the international community over the judiciary process in Indonesia with respect to the Atambua incident, in which humanitarian workers were murdered.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I would also like to add that it would be prudent, as suggested by the Secretary-General, to maintain the military component essentially in its present form, at least until the establishment of the East Timorese Government. Needless to say, future changes in the size, configuration or mandate of the military component must be based on the objective security assessment at the time. The issue of East Timorese refugees in West Timor remains a matter of serious concern. While it is important to give those refugees the opportunity to take part in the electoral process, the plight of the refugees in the absence of international humanitarian workers and the reported incidents of friction between the refugees and the local population are indeed worrisome. We have to admit that the refugee problem is complex and difficult.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Japan, for its part, is sponsoring a seminar on electoral law, organized by UNTAET, and is considering other contributions in support of the electoral process, including the dispatch of electoral observers. I would like to stress here that every effort must also be made in order to ensure that the electoral process will be conducted in an orderly manner. As noted in the Secretary-General's report, there is a widely shared concern among the Timorese population that the political process may not remain peaceful. We therefore fully support UNTAET's policy of zero tolerance for violence, and urge UNTAET to ensure that effective contingency support will be given to the police by the military component.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321Resumption1 (2001) · source
“But many difficult tasks lie ahead, and the future is fraught with uncertainties which, unless they are seriously addressed, could jeopardize the progress made so far. Today I would like to underscore several points which my delegation believes are essential for bringing about a viable East Timor. Most importantly, the political transition must be effected through a process that is open, fair and democratic. We strongly support the efforts of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) to this end, most notably in drawing up, with the people of East Timor, a specific timetable for the election of the Constituent Assembly and compiling electoral regulations, and voter education programmes.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the opportunity to participate in today's discussion. I would also like to welcome the two eminent representatives from East Timor, Mr. Gusmao and Mr. Ramos-Horta. Their participation is especially valuable as we enter the critical final stage of our efforts for the independence of East Timor. My delegation commends the Secretary-General for his work in producing his well-considered report. As described in it, preparations for the election of the Constituent Assembly on 30 August, including the registration of voters and parties, are well under way. So is the consideration of a United Nations presence in East Timor after independence.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Japan has consistently stressed the importance of focusing on the protection of the life and dignity of peoples as the international community addresses the broad spectrum of issues we face, ranging from poverty and environmental degradation to conflicts, and from terrorism to infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Needless to say, civilians in armed conflict are the most vulnerable in the context of human security. I would therefore like to conclude my statement by assuring you, Mr. President, that Japan is determined to make the utmost effort to enhance the level of protection given to them.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Although the primary responsibility for protecting internally displaced persons lies with the authorities of the country in which they live, the international community must provide appropriate assistance to those who are suffering. It is encouraging that the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement are being applied more frequently, but much greater efforts are needed to tackle this difficult problem. The importance of enhancing the operational capacity of the United Nations system and the need for it to take a more coordinated approach in addressing the plight of internally displaced persons cannot be overemphasized in this context.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I would also like to point out that the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel contains a provision that could cover United Nations and associated personnel engaged in humanitarian operations. I would like to encourage the Security Council to invoke that provision whenever it deems it necessary. Thirdly, the international community must redouble its efforts to provide appropriate protection and assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is playing a vital role in easing the suffering of refugees in all parts of the world, and Japan pays high tribute to it for its efforts. At the same time, however, the international community must help ease the plight of internally displaced persons, whose numbers now exceed 20 million.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I would like, therefore, to urge the Security Council to express a stronger-than-ever determination to pursue safe access for humanitarian operations using a combination of the ways suggested by the Secretary- General in his report. Secondly, it is of the utmost importance to strengthen our efforts to ensure more broadly the safety and security of United Nations personnel, particularly humanitarian personnel, in the field. In this context, we are pleased to note that the Trust Fund for Security of United Nations Staff, to which Japan has contributed $2 million since 1999, has been used to provide training to enable such personnel to better protect themselves in the field. We hope that other Member States will make contributions to that Fund.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We believe that each of the 14 recommendations made by the Secretary-General in his second report, which is before us, is crucially important in order to make tangible progress in coping with this difficult task. We therefore urge the Security Council to give those recommendations serious attention in its consideration of any action to follow up the previous resolution. I would like to take this opportunity to underscore some salient issues before us. First, ensuring the safe and unimpeded access of humanitarian personnel to civilian populations in need is a prerequisite for the provision of meaningful protection and assistance to civilians affected by conflict.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Mr. President, I would like to express my appreciation to you for your initiative in arranging today's meeting on this important issue. As the comprehensive and well-argued second report of the Secretary-General stresses, it is our urgent common task to identify ways in which the international system can be strengthened to help meet the growing needs of civilians in war, and to act accordingly. Civilians have become the principal victims of conflicts in recent decades, and, indeed, it is in this context that we have to address this task. This is a very difficult task, of course. But it is encouraging that the Security Council adopted its first resolution on this issue a year ago, in response to the first report of the Secretary-General.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We therefore urge the Israeli Government to do its utmost to enable the Palestinians to resume their normal economic activities. It is also critically important that the international community help alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians. Japan, for its part, has extended contributions to the Palestinians amounting to $12 million since the outbreak of the clashes. In conclusion, I would like to assure the Council that Japan will remain determined to make every possible effort to help achieve the cessation of violence and the resumption of the peace process.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Yet we have to point out that too strict a linkage between the cessation of violence and the resumption of negotiation could play into the hands of those elements who do not wish to seek a peaceful settlement and the coexistence of the State of Israel with an independent Palestinian State. We believe that in the light of the heightened enmities, to resume dialogue is an essential first step in rebuilding confidence among the parties concerned. We therefore call on them to make every effort to do so as soon as possible. The serious deterioration of the Palestinian economy is also a matter of grave concern to us. The livelihoods of the Palestinian people and the financial basis of the Palestinian Authority are being undermined. This will, no doubt, have a profoundly negative effect on the peace process.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Most importantly, they must observe the "blue line" identified by the United Nations last May. As we all know, a negotiated peace is the only realistic option. We therefore urge the parties concerned yet anew to make every effort to resume their negotiations, especially the final status negotiation between Israel and the Palestinians. In this context, we are encouraged by the fact that in its basic policy guideline, the new Israeli Government explicitly expressed its determination to pursue final peace agreements with the Palestinians and Syria, based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), and a peace treaty with Lebanon. It is also encouraging that Foreign Minister Shimon Peres came to discuss the issues with the Council yesterday.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“First, I want to welcome you back to New York, Mr. President. My delegation expresses its appreciation to you for providing us with this opportunity to discuss the grave situation we face today in the Middle East. The current violence is already resulting in the tragic loss of more lives and material destruction, and we are concerned that the escalation of violence may bring about a disastrous result in the whole region. Moreover, the continued violence is damaging the political atmosphere for peace, which is a prerequisite for resuming substantive talks. We therefore urge all the parties concerned to make determined efforts to put an end to the current violence. We also call on all parties to refrain from any action that could further complicate the situation.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Lastly, I would like to stress once again that the Security Council should continue to enhance its consultations with players outside the Council. Comprehensive peace-building and development efforts that encompass economic and social dimensions cannot be pursued without the cooperation of donor countries and various agencies and institutions. This point was underscored by the active participation in the recent open debate on East Timor of non-Council members which are substantially involved in the issue, as well as the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. We hope that the Council will continue this practice.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Japan's firm commitment to a comprehensive approach to peace-building and development in that continent is reflected not only in its bilateral and multilateral development assistance but also in its sponsorship of the First and Second Tokyo International Conferences on African Development (TICAD). In the same spirit, Japan has proposed to hold ministerial-level talks on African development in Tokyo next December in preparation for a future third TICAD meeting. It is widely acknowledged that all the relevant players must fulfil their respective roles in peace- building and development efforts. That is why Prime Minister Mori stated, during his visit to the region, that priority would be given to positioning TICAD as a forum where African nations themselves can discuss development strategies.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We believe that the United Nations and the broader international community should make this a priority at the beginning of this century. Having recently witnessed the achievements of United Nations peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and East Timor, which have been given broad mandates that encompass reconstruction and capacity-building functions, we are all the more convinced that comprehensive peace-building and development efforts must be pursued in all regions of the globe. For its part, Japan will remain committed to assisting African countries in their efforts to overcome the difficulties they face.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Peace and stability are prerequisites for sustainable economic development, and sustainable economic development fosters peace and stability by eliminating the root causes of conflict. In other words, peace-building efforts and development assistance must be mutually supportive, and, as Japan's Prime Minister, Yoshiro Mori, pointed out during his recent visit to three sub-Saharan States, the two efforts should be organically linked like the wheels of a cart. Africa is a case in point. As Prime Minister Mori stressed during his visit to the region, it is the African region that requires this approach. The proliferation of conflicts in the region underscores the urgent need for a coherent strategy for peace-building and development.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272Resumption1 (2001) · source
“As described in the working paper, there is already broad agreement on the need to pursue peace- building through a comprehensive and integrated approach. This involves taking appropriate steps at all stages of conflict, from the pre-conflict to the post- conflict stage, as well as addressing the root causes of conflict, including economic and social factors. The importance of involving donors, various organs and agencies of the United Nations, regional organizations and international financial institutions in a well- coordinated manner is also widely recognized. Today I would like to emphasize a few points. We must be fully aware of the linkage between conflict and development, as was stressed not only in the Millennium Summit Declaration but also in the G-8 Miyazaki Initiatives.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272Resumption1 (2001) · source
“President, for producing a useful working paper, which incorporates the fruit of past discussions and provides a basis for further progress. We also look forward to the Secretary- General's report on the prevention of armed conflict, to be submitted by May 2001, which should further facilitate our discussion. For its part, in January 1998 in Tokyo, the Japanese Government hosted the International Conference on Preventive Strategy and, more recently, in July 2000, it chaired the G-8 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which adopted the Miyazaki Initiatives for Conflict Prevention. We believe that the results of these meetings, which we shared with all Member States ofthe United Nations, were a useful contribution to this Organization's discussions.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272Resumption1 (2001) · source
“First, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on assuming the leadership of the Council for the month of February and to express my sincere appreciation to you for convening this open meeting. My delegation firmly believes that it is important for issues relating to conflict prevention and peace-building to be discussed regularly in the Council, particularly at open meetings. It is through such discussions that we will best be able to develop our ideas on this complex agenda item. These discussions can also increase awareness and understanding among Governments and other actors, including development agencies and non-governmental organizations, which could contribute to conflict prevention and peace-building efforts on the ground. I commend you, Mr.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272Resumption1 (2001) · source
“This need to include non-troop-contributing countries in Security Council consultations is reflected in previous statements and notes of the President of the Council, such as S/l998/1016 and S/PRST/1996/l3. Japan, for one, strongly believes that it is important to stress this need again in our deliberations today on strengthening the cooperation between the Council and troop-contributing countries.”
2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257 (2001) · source
“These countries have a great deal at stake in the conduct and outcome of peacekeeping operations. The safety and security of personnel is of no less serious concern to the countries that have provided civilian personnel than it is to those that have provided military personnel. Countries that have made major financial contributions to the operations are held accountable by their taxpayers. Indeed, because today's operations are increasingly linked to the post-conflict peace-building agenda such as nation-building and development, peacekeeping operations themselves will be strengthened if all major contributing countries participate in the consultations with the Security Council.”
2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257 (2001) · source
“A case in point is the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), where a third of the military and civilian police personnel deployed in the operation are civilians. It stands to reason that in such multifaceted operations, consultations between the Security Council and contributing countries should not be limited to those countries providing military and civilian police personnel. Rather, they should be open to those countries that provide civilian personnel; countries whose nationals are engaged in humanitarian activities on the margins of the operation; countries that have made major financial contributions or provided key elements or expertise; and countries that are particularly knowledgeable about the situation on the ground.”
2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257 (2001) · source
“As we all know, the maintenance of peace and security now requires a comprehensive approach, one that includes efforts in the economic, social and humanitarian areas on top of the traditional peacekeeping operations, which encompass military and police activities. This is reflected in the multifaceted mandates of recent peacekeeping operations, which often include tasks having to do with nation-building, governance and development. These large-scale, comprehensive missions tend to be funded by voluntary contributions by interested Member States, in addition to assessed contributions. In such multifaceted operations, the civilian component is often substantial.”
2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257 (2001) · source
“For example, when Japan occupied the presidency of the Security Council in April 1998, it was instrumental in setting a precedent for convening a meeting of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations with the President of the Council, to discuss ways to improve the meeting of the troop-contributing countries. Today I would like to focus on one new aspect of this long-debated and complex issue: that is, the need to broaden the scope of participants in consultations between the Security Council and troop contributors. I want to hasten to add here that it is crucially important for the Council to listen to the views of the countries that send their troops and police elements to the field.”
2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257 (2001) · source
“At the outset, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to you, Mr. President, for your leadership in initiating and convening this open meeting of the Council. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Singapore and the other new members, namely Colombia, Ireland, Mauritius and Norway, on joining the Council. We are convinced that each of the new members will make a great contribution to the activities of this important Organization by providing it with fresh thoughts and perspectives. Japan has been strongly committed to, and actively engaged in, efforts to strengthen the cooperation between the Security Council and troop- contributing countries, with the involvement of the Secretariat.”
2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257 (2001) · source
“The disarming and disbanding of the militias is a prerequisite for achieving this objective. We commend the efforts made by UNTAET to facilitate such dialogue and hope they will continue. The Indonesian Government too has an important role to play in such endeavours. International assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of East Timor also plays a vital role, since this reconciliation process will have a greater chance of success if the people of East Timor have brighter economic and social prospects. Japan remains unchanged in its commitment to do its part in providing such assistance.”
2000-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4203 (2000) · source
“Japan has always stressed the importance of protecting the lives of international personnel, but, most regrettably, it is the personnel working for humanitarian agencies such as the UNHCR that have been repeatedly exposed to danger. The recent death of a UNHCR staff member in Guinea reminds us again. We therefore urge the Government of Indonesia to make every effort to ensure the safety and security of the humanitarian workers. We also call on the United Nations agencies to take every possible precaution to secure the safety of their personnel. Our efforts to overcome the immediate challenges that I have stressed today must all lead to our long- term goal of successful and peaceful nation-building in East Timor. Most importantly, every effort should be made to promote national reconciliation through dialogue among East Timorese.”
2000-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4203 (2000) · source
“We therefore welcome the Indonesian Government's commitment to formulate and implement a comprehensive plan of action, in close consultation with the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). I would like to stress that the plan must be definitive and viable. It must also be responsive to the will of each refugee. Its implementation will surely be an enormous and difficult undertaking, and if the Indonesian authorities are in need of assistance the international community should not hesitate to provide support. Japan for its part is ready to contribute to the best of its ability. Humanitarian activities, particularly those of the UNHCR and the IOM, must be enabled to resume in West Timor. But this will only be possible if the safety of humanitarian workers is assured.”
2000-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4203 (2000) · source
“At the same time, it is incumbent upon the international community to support the efforts of the Government of Indonesia, particularly in light of the domestic difficulties confronting the Government in its effort to advance democracy and to maintain its territorial integrity. In this context, the dispatch of a Security Council mission has to be well thought out. We trust that the Council will be able to send a mission in a manner that will facilitate a solution of the problems by the Indonesian Government. The refugee programme also requires intensified efforts. More than 150,000 refugees have returned to East Timor, thanks to the efforts of the UNHCR and the Indonesian Government. But in recent months repatriation has come to a halt.”
2000-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4203 (2000) · source
“To this end, the militias must be disarmed and disbanded in West Timor, and the perpetrators of the heinous murder of the UNHCR workers must be brought to justice. As is made clear in resolution 1319 (2000), only the Government of Indonesia is in a position to effectively address the situation. Japan therefore welcomes the ongoing, determined efforts of the Indonesian Government to disarm the militias. While we understand the complexity of this task, we sincerely hope that the Indonesian Government's effort will bring tangible results, which in turn will pave the way to a solution of the refugee problem.”
2000-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4203 (2000) · source
“The brutal and appalling murder on 6 September of the three staff members of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Atambua has forced the UNHCR to suspend its humanitarian activities and evacuate its personnel from West Timor. The task of nation building in East Timor, daunting in itself, must not be undermined by militia incursions. Urgent action is needed to restore law and order in West Timor and to address the plight of refugees, who are no longer receiving assistance from international agencies. The key task in addressing all these problems, as I have stated on previous occasions, is the elimination of violent militia activities, in both East Timor and West Timor.”
2000-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4203 (2000) · source
“As we recall the devastation in East Timor a year ago, we realize how much has been achieved since then. Considerable progress has been made in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of East Timor, and preparations for its independence have come a long way. We commend the efforts of the staff of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), under the able leadership of Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, particularly in light of the difficult conditions under which they have had to work. The situation surrounding East Timor, however, is at a critical juncture. The increased militia activities have claimed the lives of several UNTAET peacekeeping personnel, who have tirelessly dedicated themselves to ensuring security in East Timor.”
2000-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4203 (2000) · source
“And, in an effort to contribute to the success of the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects to be held in 2001, Japan recently organized a preparatory workshop in Tokyo, in which representatives from countries throughout Asia and other regions participated. Conflict prevention is a very important but difficult task. We, therefore, as the Member States of the United Nations, have to work together, keeping in mind the responsibility of the United Nations and particularly of the Security Council for preserving world peace. I wish to assure you, Mr. President, that Japan will spare no effort in the endeavour to tackle this difficult challenge of conflict prevention.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174 (2000) · source
“Japan has also contributed to date $1.2 million to the OAU Peace Fund at the United Nations, with the aim of helping to develop a regional mechanism for conflict prevention. Of that amount, approximately $200,000 is earmarked to support OAU efforts to develop an early warning system in Africa. Japan has also been active in tackling the issue of small arms and light weapons and has sponsored a General Assembly resolution on the subject in past years. Japan's contributions to the United Nations trust fund for the purposes of preventing the illegal transfer of weapons and reducing the number of small arms in post-conflict zones amount to $2 million.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174 (2000) · source
“Needless to say, various other actors, including the conflicting parties themselves and interested States, governmental and non-governmental organizations, other regional organizations and frameworks for dialogue such as the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), have an essential part to play in the prevention of conflicts. Encouraging these actors to coordinate their efforts is also an increasingly important task before the Security Council. For its part, the Government of Japan has been taking a number of initiatives with a View to fostering the culture of prevention. For example, Japan has hosted a series of international conferences on such subjects as the role of non-governmental organizations in conflict prevention and the implications of conflict prevention for African development.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174 (2000) · source
“I note that many of these points are underlined in the presidential statement which will be issued today. The Security Council, which has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, could play a more positive role in conflict prevention, particularly in detecting potential conflict situations. So could the Secretary-General, particularly in bringing potentially violent situations to the attention of the Security Council and, thereby, to that of the international community. We therefore welcome the Secretary-General's report in preparation for the Millennium Assembly (A/54/2000) in which he advocates a more active United Nations role in this regard. In a similar vein, we look forward to receiving the report of an expert panel established by the Secretary-General to review peace operations.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174 (2000) · source
“To provide assistance for disarmament, demobilization and the reintegration of former soldiers, in addition to the deployment of peacekeeping personnel, is vitally important at the post-conflict stage. The meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Group of Eight, which Japan chaired on 12 and 13 July, emphasized the importance of nourishing a culture of prevention. As described in the Miyazaki initiatives for conflict prevention, which was adopted at that meeting, the Group of Eight Foreign Ministers focused on a range of issues, including the question of small arms and light weapons, the relationship between conflict and development, the need to restrict the illicit trade in diamonds, the protection of children in armed conflict and the role of civilian police in conflict prevention.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174 (2000) · source