YouSaid · the spoken record

Shino

lines on the record: 312
first: 2023-02-09
most recent: 2023-12-21
sittings or episodes: 72
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

“The details will need to be further elaborated in each case of an authorization of an AU peace support operation, including an appropriate burden-sharing model. We remain committed to further consultations with all stakeholders on possible assistance to AU peace support operations.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9518 (2023) · source
“Those points include the prioritization of conflict prevention, the peaceful settlement of disputes, close United Nations-AU coordination in joint planning and mandating, appropriate burden-sharing, proper oversight and accountability and the strict observance of the human rights due diligence policy, as well as the conduct and discipline compliance framework. In particular, we saw divergent views during the negotiations on how to share the costs between the United Nations and the AU. In that regard, Japan proposed clear language, which reflects the AU’s stronger ownership in operationalizing prospective AU peace support operations. This framework resolution lays out general guidelines for the future course of actions for the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9518 (2023) · source
“From now on, the Council will consider on a case-by-case basis requests from the African Union Peace and Security Council for financing AU peace support operations under Chapters VII and VIII of the Charter of the United Nations to access United Nations-assessed contributions with certain conditions. Japan fully engaged in the consultations to ensure that the established mechanism will be rightly placed in the United Nations collective security system, and we believe the points that we made throughout the process should be highlighted for future consideration of any specific authorization of AU peace support operations as well.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9518 (2023) · source
“I would like to start by thanking and congratulating the three African members (A3) of the Security Council for their initiative in crafting this important resolution (resolution 2719 (2023)). It truly shows African ownership. Japan voted in favour of it, since we believe that the resolution will contribute to addressing the perennial challenge of enhancing the predictability, sustainability and flexibility of financing African Union-led peace support operations, and thereby support and promote the ownership of African countries in their efforts for the sustainable resolution of conflicts in Africa.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9518 (2023) · source
“Meanwhile, in the West Bank, we observe with concern spiking settler violence and attacks on Israelis by Palestinians, which are inflaming the situation. Japan once again calls on Israel to refrain from advancing settlement activities, which are a clear violation of international law and contravene the relevant Security Council resolutions. In conclusion, the international community must exert every effort possible to urgently alleviate the suffering in Gaza and end this tragedy. We can no longer ignore the root causes of the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel and an independent Palestinian State must live side by side in peace and security. We must heed the calls from voices around the world who wish to see those aspirations realized fully and decisively. There is simply no alternative, and it is high time to act now.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9513 (2023) · source
“That will be a crucial lifeline for many but, as we heard from the Special Coordinator, it still falls short of what is needed. Beyond Gaza, there remains a serious risk of a regional spillover. The continuing clashes on Israel’s northern border could easily escalate with a single miscalculation. Missile launches and attacks on vessels by the Houthis are causing considerable interruption to global shipping and threaten maritime security in the region. Of particular concern is the situation of the Galaxy Leader, a ship operated by a Japanese company that was seized and has been held, along with its multinational crew, by the Houthis for nearly a month. We strongly urge the Houthis to immediately and unconditionally release both the ship and its crew.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9513 (2023) · source
“The facilities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) are overcrowded with displaced Palestinians, hunger is alarmingly on the rise and communicable diseases are rapidly spreading. As UNRWA’s Commissioner-General Lazzarini put it, everywhere you go, people are desperate, hungry and terrified. It is critically important for Israel to abide by international law, including international humanitarian law, in order to prevent harm to innocent civilians and basic civilian infrastructure. Japan also calls for all parties to act faithfully based on resolution 2712 (2023). The amount of assistance crossing through Rafah is nowhere near enough. We note that the border crossing at Kerem Shalom is finally open for the direct delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9513 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his updates and Major General Gauchat for sharing information with us on the valuable activities of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization. Japan expresses its grave concern about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Following the resumption of fighting after the breakdown of the humanitarian pause, air strikes and ground operations, especially in the southern Gaza Strip, have led to a significant number of civilian casualties. The total death toll in Gaza is approaching 20,000, and two thirds of the victims are reportedly women and children. This must stop.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9513 (2023) · source
“Japan has maintained a long-standing relationship with Iran. Within the past three months, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida had an in-person summit meeting and telephone conversation with President Raisi, during which the Prime Minister directly conveyed our concerns and exchanged candid views on a variety of issues, including the implementation of the JCPOA and the conflicts in the region. Likewise, our respective Foreign Ministers have actively engaged with each other on multiple occasions. In addition, we recently conducted a high-level dialogue on disarmament and non-proliferation issues between Japan and Iran. Japan will continue to make its utmost efforts to bridge the gaps between the parties concerned in order to resolve regional non-proliferation issues.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“With regard to proliferation concerns, tensions in the Middle East are high, particularly owing to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Japan is seriously concerned that the conflict could spill over across the region. Thus, Iran must refrain from any destabilizing actions, including the possible transfer of missiles, uncrewed aerial vehicles and other related military technologies to both State and non-State actors. Japan will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate actions in cooperation with the international community to prevent the illegal supply, sale or transfer of ballistic- missile-related items, materials, equipment, goods and technologies, which could seriously undermine peace and security in the region. Even amid such challenging times, it is critical to continue necessary dialogue, while fostering mutual trust.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards are the fundamental instrument for ensuring global nuclear non-proliferation. Only the IAEA can provide assurances about the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. In that connection, Japan has made a series of high-level diplomatic efforts in calling on Iran to take constructive measures, including the full and unconditional implementation of the joint statement by Iran and the IAEA, without further delay. The restoration of the JCPOA will require sincere confidence-building measures among the key stakeholders. Diplomacy is the only way to address that issue, and Japan encourages all parties to renew their commitment to resolving the outstanding issues.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo, Ambassador Vanessa Frazier and Ambassador Olof Skoog for their informative briefings. Since we last discussed the Iran nuclear issue in this Chamber six months ago (see S/PV.9367), regrettably, negotiations to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) have remained stalled. Japan reiterates its unwavering support for the JCPOA, which is highly important for strengthening the international non-proliferation regime and contributing to the peace and stability of the Middle East. All relevant parties must swiftly return to the agreement and comply fully with their commitments. Japan is deeply troubled by the expansion of Iran’s nuclear activities, including the continued increase of stockpiles of highly enriched uranium beyond the limits set under the JCPOA.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“Such transfers are absolutely unacceptable, and they not only exacerbate the situation in Ukraine, but also severely undermine the non-proliferation regime, which we all must value and uphold. In addition, Japan is deeply concerned about the potential of any transfer of equipment or technology to North Korea. Last but not least, we must promote the full, equal and meaningful participation of women through the women and peace and security agenda. Women’s leadership should be emphasized in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation. We call for further international efforts and action to advance gender mainstreaming in decision-making and policymaking processes in addressing the issue of small arms and light weapons.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“In that context, the Arms Trade Treaty is a landmark agreement to regulate international trade in conventional arms. Japan calls on all Member States that have not yet done so to join the Treaty. No support should be given to a State that is violating international law, including the Charter of the United Nations. All Member States should refrain from supporting Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, either directly or indirectly. It would be particularly unacceptable if support were rendered in violation of existing Security Council resolutions. We have confirmed that several arms transfers from North Korea to Russia have been completed, which directly violates the relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“In addition, Japan has been a proactive contributor to the Saving Lives Entity trust facility, which has been operating in Africa and Latin America and assists Member States in addressing illicit small arms and light weapons. Japan also welcomes the successful completion of this year’s session of the Open-Ended Working Group on Conventional Ammunition in June and the recent adoption of the General Assembly resolution entitled “Through-life conventional ammunition management” (General Assembly resolution 78/47), which endorses the historic establishment of the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management. Japan urges all Member States to effectively and seriously implement agreements and commitments related to the control and disarmament of conventional weapons.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“Since 2001, Japan, together with Colombia and South Africa, has been playing the leading role in introducing annual General Assembly draft resolutions on the issue. This year’s resolution (General Assembly resolution 78/46), adopted by consensus last week, reaffirmed the determination of the international community to continue to strengthen efforts through the implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and its International Tracing Instrument. We look forward to further discussions to achieve a successful outcome at its Review Conference scheduled for next year.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for convening today’s important open debate. My appreciation also goes to the briefers for their insightful briefings. The illicit trade and diversion of small arms and light weapons, sometimes described as de facto weapons of mass destruction, pose a clear threat to international peace and security. As the recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/823) confirms, the illicit transfer and misuse of small arms and light weapons have continued to initiate, exacerbate and sustain armed conflict, pervasive violence and acts of crime and terrorism, hindering sustainable peace and development. Japan has been working closely with international partners to better address the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“In the light of that, it is necessary for the Government to urgently create an enabling environment for humanitarian action. In addition, we encourage the Government to immediately achieve significant results in the termination process in order to draw the attention of the international community and obtain adequate resources. Last but not least, I am grateful to His Excellency Mr. Biang for his dedication and excellent work as the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015) concerning South Sudan. In conclusion, Japan reiterates its strong commitment to the Government and people of South Sudan and their aspirations for peace and prosperity.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, the formation and deployment of the necessary unified forces has been delayed, and the Government is not fully prepared to take responsibility for the security of its citizens. The protection of civilians by UNMISS therefore remains extremely important and needs to be further enhanced, and we would like UNMISS to address the recommendations identified in the report of the Secretary-General. Thirdly, humanitarian needs are at an extremely high level. Providing humanitarian assistance in South Sudan is difficult owing to various challenges, such as fragile infrastructure and is, moreover, one of the most dangerous activities for humanitarian workers. Worse still, in 2024, resources are expected to decrease sharply.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“Only 11 months remain until the elections, which are a critical step towards the end of the transitional period. To hold free, fair and credible elections in this limited time frame, political leaders need to agree on and address key outstanding issues in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration. In that connection, we commend the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and UNMISS for working together to urge the Government to facilitate that. Secondly, the security situation remains volatile and is further exacerbated by climate change, conflict in the Sudan, food insecurity, lack of basic services and socioeconomic and other factors.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Haysom for his insightful briefing. Japan takes note of the recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/784) on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which describes progress and challenges in South Sudan. Japan would like to thank all UNMISS personnel for their service in protecting civilians and mitigating violence in a challenging environment. As a troop- contributing country, we are committed to our continued deployments to UNMISS. I would like to make the following three points towards ensuring a peaceful end of the transitional period. First, while some positive steps have been made, Japan is concerned about the limited progress towards the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“In that connection, we look forward to a report by the Secretary-General and another by the Special Adviser, as requested, which will provide the Council with solid foundations to discuss the way forward, bearing in mind the requests of the Government of Iraq.”
2023-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9493 (2023) · source
“We welcome that UNITAD, in consultation with the Government of Iraq, has identified modalities for the transfer of evidence with third countries in response to the request of Iraq and as requested by the Security Council in resolution 2697 (2023). Close collaboration and communication with all relevant ministries and agencies of the Iraqi Government are the hallmark of effective mandate implementation by the Team. At the same time, it should also be recalled that the shared goal in this dossier for the Iraqi Government, UNITAD and the Security Council is to ensure accountability for crimes committed by ISIL, and that the legacy of UNITAD which serves that purpose needs to be preserved.”
2023-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9493 (2023) · source
“Building the capacities of the Iraqi judicial authorities is also critical in order to ensure they can continue their work after UNITAD completes its mandate. We welcome the ongoing close collaboration between UNITAD and the Iraqi judicial authorities on various capacity-building initiatives, including joint case-building, the digitization of court records and other technical assistance. As the Special Adviser points out in his report and briefing today, that type of collaboration will serve as a strategic asset for Iraq in continuously combating terrorism once such efforts bear tangible outcomes, though we note that will still take time.”
2023-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9493 (2023) · source
“Among the wide variety of areas of investigation in which UNITAD made progress in close cooperation with relevant Iraqi authorities during the reporting period, we particularly commend the work accomplished on sexual and gender-based crimes and crimes against children. Continuing that thematic investigation is significant not only for punishing immediate perpetrators, but also for ending the culture of impunity and helping to eliminate gender-based violence, including sexual violence in conflict. We note that some investigative work is still preliminary, such as that concerning crimes committed against Shia Turkmen women, and we encourage UNITAD to ensure that it continues to build upon what has been found so far.”
2023-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9493 (2023) · source
“I thank Mr. Christian Ritscher, Special Adviser and Head of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD), for the valuable information he furnished the Council with today. As part of the international community’s efforts to eradicate terrorism, ensuring accountability for crimes committed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), including war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, remains pivotal. UNITAD has been supporting the Iraqi-led process on accountability since its inception five years ago, and Japan commends its unwavering dedication.”
2023-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9493 (2023) · source
“In the light of multiple reports of bureaucratic impediments, Japan calls on the Sudan to fulfil its responsibility as the host country. Let me conclude by reaffirming Japan’s commitment to the people of the Sudan.”
2023-12-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9492 (2023) · source
“Japan further calls for the Sudan’s cooperation on a safe and orderly transition and liquidation of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan. We must ensure a realistic time frame and necessary administrative and financial arrangements for those processes. Japan welcomes the appointment of Mr. Ramtane Lamamra as the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Sudan. We wish him every success in using his good offices to engage with the Sudanese parties and the neighbouring States to complement regional peace efforts, and we expect him to play a role in assisting the Sudan’s transition towards democracy when the fighting ends. Japan also welcomes the Sudan’s stated intention to continue cooperating with the United Nations, including with the Personal Envoy.”
2023-12-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9492 (2023) · source
“Japan thanks the United Kingdom, as the penholder, for its effort to seek common ground among Council members, the Sudan and the Secretariat to craft a compromise text for resolution 2715 (2023). Although the Council has decided to terminate the current mandate of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan, the importance of the United Nations support for the Sudan remains unchanged given the difficult situation there. Japan voted in favour of resolution because it will enable the United Nations to seamlessly continue its support for the Sudan. In that regard, Japan strongly calls upon the parties in the Sudan to fully cooperate with the United Nations.”
2023-12-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9492 (2023) · source
“The renewed sanctions regime reflects the reality on the ground, based on reports from United Nations entities and the Panel of Experts on Somalia. It will enhance greater regional cooperation, which is essential to degrading Al-Shabaab in the region. Full implementation of these resolutions by the entire international community is essential. In this regard, we welcome the extension of the broad mandate of the Panel of Experts, and we applaud their professionalism and dedication. Japan commends the continuous efforts of the Federal Government of Somalia to fulfil the benchmarks of the sanctions regime. Japan reaffirms its commitment to support these efforts, including through active contribution to the work of the sanctions Committee.”
2023-12-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9491 (2023) · source
“I would like to join colleagues in expressing our gratitude and congratulations to Ambassador Zhang Jun and his team for the successful conclusion of their presidency in November. I also extend our heartfelt welcome to the new Permanent Representative of Ecuador, and wish him and his team all the best for the December presidency. I would like to express Japan’s profound appreciation for the penholders’ tireless efforts to reach agreement on divergent views. Japan has voted in favour of these important resolutions (resolutions 2713 (2023) and 2714 (2023)). The resolutions allow the Federal Government of Somalia to acquire the necessary types of equipment, mostly to advance its urgently needed security sector reform, while continuing to make it difficult for Al-Shabaab to access weapons, ammunition and financial resources.”
2023-12-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9491 (2023) · source
“This conflict has to end, and the relevant parties need to return to negotiations towards finally achieving a two-State solution in which both Israel and a viable Palestinian State live side by side in peace and security. In the short term, we should take all possible measures to bring about an early de-escalation of the conflict as a first step towards a durable peace.”
2023-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9472 (2023) · source
“More than 200 hostages, including many children, are still held by Hamas and other militants in Gaza. Hostage-taking goes against the fundamental principles of international law, and we unequivocally condemn it. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all the remaining hostages. Their loved ones are waiting with increasing despair. The risk of a regional spillover is very real. The situations in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen are getting worrisome. Additionally, the increase in extremist settler violence committed against Palestinians is totally unacceptable, undermines security in the West Bank and threatens the prospects for a lasting peace. A single miscalculation on any of those fronts could lead to a disastrous regional conflict, and we must do all we can to stop that.”
2023-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9472 (2023) · source
“For its part, under its presidency of the Group of Seven (G7), Japan hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Tokyo this week, calling for urgent action to address the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The recently announced flash appeal requires $1.2 billion to meet immediate humanitarian needs in Gaza and the West Bank. Japan has been playing its part. Our Foreign Minister recently announced that Japan is prepared to provide an additional humanitarian aid package of $65 million and emergency relief supplies through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, my country’s aid agency, in addition to the already- decided emergency grant aid worth $10 million. We call on all Member States and humanitarian partners to join that effort to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza.”
2023-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9472 (2023) · source
“To that end, Japan fully supports humanitarian pauses and humanitarian corridors to facilitate urgently needed assistance, civilian movement and the release of hostages. Full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access should be granted without delay and in a continuous manner. We welcome the tireless diplomacy of the international community, including at the international conference on humanitarian aid for Gaza held in Paris yesterday. Japan hopes that the pauses announced by the United States Government on 9 November will contribute to enhancing the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid, the protection of civilians and the release of the hostages in Gaza.”
2023-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9472 (2023) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, and Mr. Jilani, for sharing their detailed descriptions of the situation and their personal stories, with fear, pain and loss. I thank them and their teams for their dedication in this unimaginable situation. The situation in Gaza grows more desperate by the day, and time is of the essence. We greatly admire that humanitarian workers continue to work in incredibly dangerous conditions, and we lament the deaths of more than 100 staff of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Regrettably, the Security Council has remained silent for more than a month since the conflict broke out with the horrifying acts of terror by Hamas in Israel on 7 October. The time for concrete action is now.”
2023-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9472 (2023) · source
“To conclude, Japan would like to thank all UNISFA personnel for their service in protecting civilians and mitigating violence in a challenging environment, and we reiterate our full support for United Nations efforts in the region. We express our readiness to work constructively towards the renewal of the mandate.”
2023-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9467 (2023) · source
“We also call upon the Misseriya and Ngok Dinka communities to build upon that positive engagement and work towards peaceful cohabitation. Thirdly, we are concerned about the continued presence of South Sudanese and Sudanese security forces in Abyei, which constitutes a violation of the Area’s demilitarized status. We call upon the authorities of both the Sudan and South Sudan to address that issue without delay. In addition, we call on both Governments to attend to UNISFA’s outstanding operational issues, such as the freedom of movement of all Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism and UNISFA personnel, as well as all United Nations national staff. The deployment of the three formed police units and individual police officers is also important.”
2023-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9467 (2023) · source
“The difficulties on the implementation of UNISFA’s mandate are compounded by the influx of returnees and refugees to Abyei, hindering the rotation of the peacekeepers and complicating logistics. In the light of this, we continue to closely follow the situation in the Sudan, and we once again call upon the parties to enact an immediate and permanent ceasefire and pursue a peaceful political process. Secondly, we are pleased to see a reduction in violence during the reporting period as a result of the continued efforts of the Government of South Sudan to address the conflict between the Ngok Dinka and Twic Dinka communities in southern Abyei and Warrap state, South Sudan. We re-emphasize that such efforts are needed to break the cycle of violence and build lasting peace and security.”
2023-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9467 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General Lacroix and Special Envoy Tetteh for their insightful briefings. Japan appreciates the recent Secretary-General report (S/2023/777) on the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), which elaborates both progress and challenges in Abyei and highlights the continued relevance of the mission’s mandate. Mindful of the observations made in the Secretary- General’s report and by both briefers, I would like to make the following three points related to UNISFA’s mandate. First, Japan reiterates its strong concern about the many negative impacts of the ongoing fighting in the Sudan on the situation in Abyei. Political progress towards a resolution of the final status of Abyei and border issues is blocked.”
2023-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9467 (2023) · source
“We hope that the advancement of this cause will present an opportunity for the countries of the region, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, to further advance the necessary reforms to achieve greater integration. In conclusion, let me reiterate our steadfast commitment to supporting peace, stability and prosperity through the steady development of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans region, as a whole.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“Japan is deeply concerned about the recent escalation of statements and actions by one entity challenging the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in ways that would undermine the foundation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. Based on the Peace Agreement, it is clear that the two entities, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, are not States. We reiterate that any discourse calling for secession could damage the agreement. Both entities are part of the sovereign State of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We strongly urge all political leaders to have a constructive attitude for the future of the country. The accession of the Western Balkans to the European Union is an important step towards attaining a united Europe.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“As a member of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board, Japan strongly supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation. Since the Dayton Peace Agreement, Japan has been consistently engaging in Peace Implementation Council activities and providing assistance to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in areas such as health care, education and demining. Our support for nation-building and national reconciliation efforts continues to this day. Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing an important juncture. It has transitioned from conflict to peace, but the question remains — how can it achieve a successful future?”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“I also welcome the representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia to this meeting. Although High Representative Christian Schmidt is not here today, we would like to reassure him of Japan’s unwavering support for him and his Office. Recognizing the importance of the role of the High Representative, Japan has been contributing a fair amount of the Office’s budget since its inception. We are very appreciative of the High Representative’s recent report, which the Secretary-General shared with the Council. Twenty-eight years have passed since the brutal conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina came to an end. Achieving peace, stability and prosperity is critical, not only for the country’s future but also for peace and stability in the Western Balkans.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“At the outset, I would also like to join others in expressing our heartfelt appreciation and congratulating the Brazilian delegation on their dedicated and successful work in the challenging month of October. I would also like to congratulate China on the successful assumption of the November presidency. Japan assures the Chinese delegation of its full support. We are pleased that the Security Council adopted resolution 2706 (2023), once again unanimously authorizing the mandate renewal for the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and, in doing so, has sent a clear message in support of its important role in maintaining peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, under the Dayton Peace Agreement. We also thank the European Union and its member States for their commitment to its essential mission.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“Creating the conditions needed for the safe, dignified and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons is also critical. We look forward to receiving more updates from the Secretary-General and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the independent institution to clarify the fate of missing persons in Syria. Syria’s rejoining of the League of Arab States has sparked hope for a realistic path towards peace and stability in Syria and beyond. In that regard, the role of the Arab contact group is crucial. However, Japan stresses the need for the Syrian Government to participate meaningfully and in good faith in these efforts to move the political process forward. Amid the many conflicts and crises around the world, we must not forget the plight of the Syrian people.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source
“It is truly regrettable that the Council could not agree to extend the cross-border aid mechanism in north- western Syria in July. As the Syrian Government’s consent for the use of the Bab Al-Salam and Al-Rai border crossings expires in November, we hope it will be extended. The lives of millions are at stake. Regarding the political situation, Japan is disappointed that the Constitutional Committee has been unable to reconvene in Geneva or elsewhere and hopes that a venue can be agreed on as soon as possible. We further encourage Mr. Pedersen’s intensive diplomatic efforts to facilitate progress in the step-for- step approach and relaunch a Syrian-led and Syrian- owned political process, in line with resolution 2254 (2015).”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source
“This constitutes the largest escalation of hostilities in Syria in four years, according to the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic and Mr. Pedersen’s briefing today. Japan echoes the Secretary-General’s condemnation of all violence in Syria and reiterates his call for all the parties to respect their obligations under international law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure at all times. The latest violence is only worsening the already dire humanitarian situation in Syria. While Japan is pleased that United Nations aid deliveries into north- western Syria from Türkiye have continued this month, we encourage further vital assistance through all modalities, including cross-border and cross-line.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source
“As we heard from the briefings by Special Envoy Pedersen and Ms. Wosornu today, a number of alarming recent events have threatened the already precarious security and humanitarian environment in Syria. I thank both briefers for their detailed briefings. First, the situation in Israel and Palestine has created a worrisome risk of regional spillover. There are already reports of exchanges of cross-border fire in the Golan Heights and strikes on the Damascus and Aleppo international airports. Japan will continue to work in close cooperation with the international community, including the United Nations, to calm the situation as soon as possible. Additionally, devastating drone attacks in Homs and retaliatory shelling over Idlib have caused hundreds of casualties, damage to civilian facilities and further displacement.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source
“Any election process should be fair, open, inclusive and credible so that people can exercise their political rights freely, which over the long term will help to heal any divisions in the country. We will actively engage in the upcoming discussion on the extension of the current mandate of MINUSCA.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source