YouSaid · the spoken record

Sumi

lines on the record: 40
first: 2008-11-12
most recent: 2011-02-11
sittings or episodes: 7
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

“In conclusion, Madame President, I would like to reiterate Japan's standing commitment to progress in the peacekeeping and peacebuilding areas and our readiness to work with the international community towards the common goal of ensuring a smooth transition to sustainable peace, security and development.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“For instance, a peacekeeping mission could be mandated to monitor sanctions in cooperation with a given panel of experts. The third area concerns women's empowerment. Women are the key to development and security. The international community has just commemorated the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) and established UN Women. The international community should make a concerted effort to maximize the current political momentum so as to bring more attention to the role of women. In that regard, Japan welcomes the recommendations put forward in the recently released impact study on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security in peacekeeping. One practical way in which we can make a difference is to increase the number of female military and police officers joining peacekeeping missions.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“There are many ways in which peacekeeping missions could have a positive impact on the local economy through strengthened collaboration with development actors. Quick-impact projects and efforts to increase local procurement of goods and services are examples of areas in which such cooperation could be pursued. The missions and the development community should also develop national staff policies so as to avoid a drain of talented people away from the local labour market and to take advantage of opportunities for local institution- building. To avoid a relapse into resorting to arms, I would further point out that there may be cases in which we could benefit from enhancing cooperation between peacekeeping missions and the panels of experts that monitor sanctions.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“However, some peacebuilding tasks must be directly implemented by peacekeepers. At present, there is insufficient capacity worldwide for typical peacebuilding mandates of peacekeepers, such as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, 3 security sector reform and establishment of the rule of law. It is urgent that we accelerate our efforts, on the basis of the findings of the forthcoming review of international civilian capacities, to institute a system for fostering and deploying civilian capacities to that end. Furthermore, I would like to underscore the importance of generating youth employment and avoiding a vicious circle in which young people lacking employment resort to arms and conflict. The peace dividend must include security and jobs.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“To that end, there should be strong leadership on the ground. The reports of the Secretary-General should include more extensive analysis of the status of the integration process and the socio-economic elements that affect security. That would provide greater guidance as to how we can refocus our efforts on fewer priorities and where more resources and attention need to be invested. Japan intends to take up the issue in the Working Group on Lessons Learned so that the Peacebuilding Commission can make a greater contribution in that area. Secondly, the peacebuilding tasks carried out by peacekeepers are often described in three words: "articulate, enable and implement". Peacekeepers cannot undertake all peacebuilding tasks. Efforts should first be made to enable others to implement them.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Through the agenda that we wish to take up in the Working Group, Japan intends to respond to some of the questions raised by the Council President today, including the issue of strengthening the relationship between the Peacebuilding Commission and the Security Council. Today, Japan would like to offer some practical proposals for making progress in three areas. The first is enhancing coordination. We have been consistently emphasizing the importance of ensuring coordination, complementarities and coherence among diverse actors, such as the entities of the United Nations system and international financial institutions. We are happy to hear that integrated strategic planning is progressing, but more work is required throughout the United Nations system to ensure a clear division of labour and allocation of resources to focused priorities.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“I would like to congratulate you, Madame President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council and to commend the initiative of Brazil in organizing the present debate. Japan shares Brazil's interest in focusing on the interdependence between security and development. It is our responsibility, as members of the international community, to establish a system to ensure a seamless 11-23198 transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding and development without delay. Japan recently assumed the chair of the Peacebuilding Commission's Working Group on Lessons Learned and has initiated consultations on this year's work plan. Japan will strive, in cooperation with the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, to ensure concrete outcomes and pursue clearly defined follow- up in the Group's work.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the sincere efforts made by the Presidents, the Prosecutors, the Registrars and all staff members of the Tribunals, as well as those of Austria in its capacity as Chair of the Informal Working Group, towards the achievement of justice.”
2010-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6434 (2010) · source
“The residual mechanism of the ICTY and the ICTR should serve to that end. Japan has been actively participating in the discussion on the mechanism in the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals, under the chairmanship of Austria. We appreciate the efforts of the Office of Legal Affairs, which recently submitted an additional report on the location of the mechanism. We will continue to consider actively and carefully the relevant draft resolution and statute, with a View to their early adoption. In conclusion, the present reports of the two Tribunals will be the last before Japan concludes its present term of membership in the Security Council.”
2010-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6434 (2010) · source
“We take positive note of the efforts made by Croatia through its task force to further improve the quality of the administrative investigation in response to the request of the Prosecutor regarding the missing documents. We take positive note as well of the expeditious support by Serbia for the cases before the court, and the satisfactory support provided by Bosnia and Herzegovina in response to the requests of the Prosecutor, including witness protection. We trust that those States will continue their efforts in that direction. Now, on the issue of the residual mechanism, Japan attaches great importance to the rule of law and considers that impunity in the case of the most serious crimes must not be condoned and that the individuals involved must be brought to justice in accordance with international standards.”
2010-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6434 (2010) · source
“Now I would like to draw attention to the issue of cooperation, cooperation by States. The arrest of the remaining fugitives is absolutely essential for success of the Tribunals. It is regrettable that two suspects indicted by the ICTY - Ratko Mladic' and Goran Hadzic' - and 10 under indictment by the ICTR, including Felicien Kabuga, have yet to be apprehended. We continue to encourage the relevant States to cooperate fully in securing the arrest of all indictees as soon as possible. The referral of cases to national jurisdiction is also an important part of the completion strategy. Among others, we highly appreciate the efforts made by the Rwandan authorities to realize the referral of cases. With regard to the ICTY, cooperation by States of the former Yugoslavia in areas such as access to archives, documents and witnesses is also vital.”
2010-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6434 (2010) · source
“We would like to strongly encourage the Tribunals to complete their work expeditiously and urge them to make all possible efforts to bring their tasks to completion while continuing to ensure fair trials. Regarding the requests of the Tribunals for extension of the terms of judges, we consider that a necessary measures in order to accomplish the completion strategies in an expeditious and cost- effective manner. Japan therefore is prepared to take active part in the work on the required measures together with other members of the Council. We also take note of the necessity of staff retention for the success of the work of the Tribunals. We take this occasion to state our high appreciation of the Judges, Prosecutors, Registrars and all the other staff of the Tribunals for their unyielding commitment to the fight against impunity.”
2010-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6434 (2010) · source
“I would like to express my appreciation to the Presidents and Prosecutors of the respective Tribunals for briefing us on the latest developments concerning their completion strategies. The contribution of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) to the development of international criminal justice cannot be overstated. Today, I would like to touch upon three points, namely, the completion strategy, cooperation and the residual mechanism. First, the completion strategy. Japan had been strongly urging and expecting the Tribunals to complete all judicial proceedings by the end of 2010, in accordance with resolution 1503 (2003). Although Japan recognizes that proceedings are ongoing, it is regrettable that the goal of completion could not be achieved.”
2010-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6434 (2010) · source
“Finally, I would like to express Japan's appreciation for the role that the European Union Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina is playing in that region, and we support the renewal of its mandate now under discussion in the Security Council.”
2010-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6421 (2010) · source
“This could increase the incentive and momentum among the Bosnian people towards realizing European integration. We also hope that the achievement of the 5+2 objectives will enable the transition from the Office of the High Representative to the EU Special Representative at the earliest possible date. The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to require an active role on the part of the High Representative until the transition to the EU Special Representative takes place. Japan highly values the activities of Mr. Inzko in bringing calm and reassurance to the situation, and continues to support him fully. We would like once again to reiterate that the High Representative must maintain full authority to fulfil his mission until his mandate comes to an end.”
2010-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6421 (2010) · source
“We are particularly concerned about some acts that have the potential to destabilize the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as indicated in the report of the High Representative (see S/2010/575, annex). The State property law adopted by the Republika Srpska is a flagrant challenge to the authority of the Office of the High Representative. We note with regret that this law makes the possible achievement of the 5+2 agenda difficult. Japan has consistently supported the policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding Euro-Atlantic integration. In that connection, we welcome the decision by the European Union (EU) Justice and Home Affairs Council to grant the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina a visa exemption to European Union countries.”
2010-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6421 (2010) · source
“In the post-election context, there are at least two aspects that we find to be positive. The first is that the Bosniaks are motivated to reconcile with Serbia, as demonstrated by the apologies expressed by Mr. Izetbegovie, a Bosniak member of the Presidency. This development is quite significant for the peace and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the entire West Balkan region. The second point is that there is strong momentum for cooperation among the members of the Presidency. Their constructive collaboration will show other institutions in the country that the accumulation of cooperation can actually produce improvements in the country as a whole. We cannot be overly optimistic, however, as there remain large gaps among the positions of the various parties and ethnic groups.”
2010-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6421 (2010) · source
“At the outset, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, His Excellency Mr. Nebojsa Radmanovie. I would also like to thank High Representative Valentin Inzko for his comprehensive briefing. I commend the devoted efforts that he and his staff have exerted with sincerity and great dedication to address the very complex and sensitive issues on the ground in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I welcome the fact that the general elections held in early October were conducted peacefully and successfully overall. In the light of the large number of issues that the country must address, we look forward to the expeditious establishment of the Council of Ministers and the early stabilization of the political situation.”
2010-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6421 (2010) · source
“At the same time, it is important to enhance coordination between military and police, especially formed police units, such as for the internally displaced persons camps and their surroundings in Darfur. Japan would like to ask about what kind of discussion took place in this regard in yesterday's meeting and what the Secretariat thinks are the challenges to strengthening the integration of the missions.”
2010-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6370 (2010) · source
“Its interim report, which summarizes these discussions, lays out the Working Group's intention to hold meetings later this year in order to consider ways to use the gap list more effectively, including with respect to the shortage of utility helicopters. The gap list has already been circulated to all Member States. I should like to hear from the Commanders about what part of their mandates they find most difficult and challenging to implement with regard to the gap list. Last but not least, with regard to the protection of civilians and humanitarian support, Japan would like to point out the importance of civilian-military cooperation, such as that of MONUSCO's joint protection team, and of strengthening coordination between military and civilian components while preserving the impartiality of humanitarian organizations.”
2010-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6370 (2010) · source
“In the short term, comprehensive endeavours should be made to make full use of existing capabilities and resources - similar to what has been done in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), which strengthened its communications with the local populace regarding the protection of civilians and joint mission analysis centres - in each mission. In this context, I should like to ask about what kind of discussion took place in yesterday's meeting of the Force Commander to that end. The Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations, which Japan has chaired since last year, has been discussing the broader issue of the capability gap over the past half-year.”
2010-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6370 (2010) · source
“In order to effectively implement complex mandates, especially with respect to the protection of civilians, timely and accurate local information and its analysis are crucial. However, many peacekeeping missions lack this ability. There is no silver bullet for resolving this problem, but sufficient discussions should be held among the Council's members, as well as through meetings with force commanders and in the General Assembly. Japan would like to see further discussion of the United Nations information collection and analysis capabilities, in accordance with basic principles of United Nations peacekeeping operations, such as impartiality and respect for the ownership of the host country. Japan should also like to see this expertise developed in the mid- to long terms.”
2010-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6370 (2010) · source
“However, the current situation is not always satisfactory in this regard. Although the Council undertakes such endeavours as briefings by the Secretariat before and after technical assessment missions and holds private meetings with troop- and police-contributing countries before its consultations, this is not enough to achieve mutual understanding between the Council and the peacekeeping operations in the field. Therefore, in order to further enhance such understanding, I should like to propose that the Security Council conduct future dialogues similar to today's initiative. Secondly, I should like to touch upon issues regarding the implementation of mandates, such as information-gathering and capability gaps.”
2010-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6370 (2010) · source
“I should like to begin by pointing out that each United Nations peacekeeping mission faces different circumstances and that each mandate is the result of the discussions formed by the different positions of Council members. Thus, each Security Council resolution tends to contain different language for the same mandate, although these may sometimes be merely nuanced differences. Japan emphasizes the importance for the intentions of each resolution to be clear, understandable and reflected in the concept of operations and other means of communication during implementation. At the same time, it should be noted that the Council needs to listen to the voices from United Nations peacekeeping operations, including those of field commanders, and reflect these views in the establishment of clear and achievable mandates.”
2010-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6370 (2010) · source
“One of the most important issues facing United Nations peacekeeping is to fill the gaps between mission mandates and implementation. In this regard, today's exercise, in which the Council is listening directly to the voices of the field commanders, is quite beneficial, since it reduces the distance between the Security Council and the field and facilitates the sharing of best practices among missions. Japan welcomes this practice and hopes that it will be continued in the future. From a practical perspective, Japan has comments and questions on three points: strengthening cooperation between the Council and the field, implementing peacekeeping operation mandates, and strengthening the integration of missions.”
2010-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6370 (2010) · source
“At the outset, I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting today. I would also like to thank Mr. Le Roy and the force commanders for their useful briefings. Our thanks go to Lieutenant General Sikander Afzal, Lieutenant General Babacar Gaye, Major General Moses Bisong Obi, Major General Robert Mood and Major General Luiz Guilherme Paul Cruz. I also welcome the presence of Lieutenant General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor, Military Adviser in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. Japan takes this opportunity to extend its wholehearted appreciation to and respect for the Force Commanders and all the peacekeepers in each mission who are tirelessly doing the invaluable work of United Nations peacekeeping operations.”
2010-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6370 (2010) · source
“We intend to cooperate with Kosovo, Serbia and other regional and international actors towards the achievement of a new stage of stability and prosperity in the West Balkan region.”
2010-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6367 (2010) · source
“We welcome the increase in the return and settlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. At the same time, we share the Secretary- General's concern about occasional incidents targeting minorities, which continue to present both physical and psychological obstacles to sustainable returns. Japan, as a proponent of human security, continues to support the efforts of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to facilitate IDP returns, promote peaceful multi-ethnic coexistence and help the sustainable development of Kosovo through bilateral and multilateral frameworks. A human-centred approach is particularly relevant in the northern provinces, with due attention to reducing the level of vulnerability among the population.”
2010-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6367 (2010) · source
“Our hope is that Kosovo will now continue to advance its own nation- building with the increasing support of the international community. The advisory opinion is also important to the reconciliation process between Kosovo and Serbia. Japan encourages both sides constructively to address challenges that affect the lives of the population of all communities in Kosovo. In this context, Japan shares the belief of the Secretary- General that the reconstruction of the Serbian Orthodox sites can rebuild trust between communities. We expect that UNMIK and the European Union (EU) will play a mediating role between Pristina and Belgrade, and we support the Secretary-General's proposal to have joint United Nations/EU efforts to facilitate dialogue.”
2010-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6367 (2010) · source
“I thank Special Representative Lamberto Zannier for his comprehensive briefing. I should also like to extend a warm welcome to Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremie of Serbia and Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni of Kosovo. Japan highly values the contributions of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, the Kosovo Force and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe on the ground to ensure the stability of Kosovo and the West Balkan region as a whole. We commend the International Court of Justice for issuing the advisory opinion of 22 July after two years of intensive work. Since our recognition of the independence of Kosovo, Japan has supported the newly formed country's efforts to develop as a vibrant, democratic and multi-ethnic State.”
2010-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6367 (2010) · source
“Although there are important differences between the Special Court and the other tribunals, Japan hopes that the experience of the Special Court for Sierra Leone will offer useful insights on that issue for the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and other tribunals.”
2009-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6163 (2009) · source
“We also appreciate the tireless efforts of the Management Committee chaired by Canada, which has been addressing a number of difficulties faced by the Special Court. Japan strongly hopes that, through the continued efforts of the Special Court and the contributing States, the Court will be able to overcome the current financial challenges and successfully complete its mandate. The Special Court for Sierra Leone has played a pioneering role in addressing unprecedented legal and practical challenges. The issue regarding the residual functions of the ad hoc tribunals after the completion of trials is another unprecedented challenge that the Special Court must address before the other international tribunals.”
2009-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6163 (2009) · source
“I take this opportunity to reaffirm Japan's strong support for the activities of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. The Special Court was established in a country where serious crimes had been committed. Although the case of former President Charles Taylor had to be conducted in The Hague for several reasons, the closeness of the Special Court to the people of Sierra Leone and its effective outreach programmes have contributed to gaining the understanding and acceptance of the affected people. This unique feature of the Special Court is noteworthy and provides 12 important lessons for future trials for serious crimes committed in conflict situations. Japan highly appreciates the efforts made by the judges, prosecutors and registrars, who have contributed greatly to the significant progress made so far.”
2009-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6163 (2009) · source
“I, too, wish to thank President Renate Winter and Prosecutor Stephen Rapp of the Special Court for Sierra Leone for their informative briefings. Their briefings to the Security Council are very timely in view of the commencement on 13 July of the defence case in the trial of Charles Taylor and of the progress made in the other cases since the most recent briefings in 2007. I also welcome the presence of the representative of Sierra Leone in the Council today. Japan is strongly committed to the realization of justice and the rule of law at both the national and the international levels, and believes that international and hybrid criminal tribunals have played an important role to that end. We have therefore been making the utmost effort to contribute to the activities of the various criminal tribunals.”
2009-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6163 (2009) · source
“The Leaders Declaration of the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit stressed the importance of the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and Japan, as the G8 Chair, has also conducted a fruitful dialogue with the 1540 Committee to examine ways to further promote the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Japan is both honoured and humbled to have the opportunity to participate in the activities of the three committees beginning in January 2009. We reiterate our commitment to strengthen United Nations counter- terrorism efforts, making full use of our experience in that area.”
2008-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6015 (2008) · source
“Japan welcomes the decision in Security Council resolution 1810 (2008) to extend the mandate of the 1540 Committee, and appreciates the report of the Chairperson of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1673 (2006) and 1810 (2008). We would also like to commend the efforts exerted by Costa Rica as Chair of the Committee. Japan attaches great importance to the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) as a key element in our global efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Japan has taken the initiative to promote the universalization of the resolution.”
2008-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6015 (2008) · source
“Security Council resolution 1267 (1999) and the other relevant resolutions continue to constitute one of the main pillars of United Nations counter-terrorism activities, and the role of the 1267 Committee remains crucial. It is true that various problems have been identified with the administration of the consolidated list under the 1267 Committee. Achieving the right balance between security and due process requires careful consideration. In order to ensure effective implementation by Member States, it is necessary to improve the procedures for listing and delisting. We commend the tireless efforts made by the 1267 Committee under the Belgian Chair in improving both the list and the procedures. We encourage the Committee to continue its endeavours in that regard.”
2008-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6015 (2008) · source
“As Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Action Group (CTAG), Japan has been making every effort to promote effective coordination with CTED. The Group of Eight (G8) leaders' statement on counter-terrorism adopted at the G-8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit in July this year emphasizes this cooperation. The G8 countries and the CTED are jointly striving to promote consideration by CTAG members of their counter- terrorism technical assistance by addressing the specific needs identified by the CTED. In that connection, a cooperation mechanism between CTAG and CTED is being established. We intend to continue such cooperation in the future. Japan welcomes the extension of the mandate of the Monitoring Team of the Al-Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee, which was decided last June.”
2008-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6015 (2008) · source
“In order for such collaborative efforts to succeed, the mandate of the Counter-Terrorism Committee to monitor the implementation of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) remains essential. In that regard, I would like to commend the contribution made by Croatia as Chair of the Committee, especially the Chair's efforts to make the work of the Committee more transparent to non-members. I would also like to express our appreciation for the work of the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), under the leadership of Executive Director Mr. Mike Smith, in enhancing efficiency in the coordination of counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance. We appreciate in particular the role of CTED in identifying specific needs in the area of counter-terrorism technical assistance.”
2008-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6015 (2008) · source
“At the outset, Sir, I would like to express my deep appreciation to you for convening today's debate. I also wish to thank the Chairs of the Council's three counter-terrorism committees for their informative briefings. Japan welcomes the consensual adoption of General Assembly resolution 62/272 following the first biennial review of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy on 4 and 5 September 2008. During the meetings, Member States shared their experiences in implementing the Strategy and reaffirmed their strong determination to persevere in efforts against terrorism. Terrorism continues to be one of the most serious threats to the international community. Given its increasingly international nature, the necessity for collective action by the Member States cannot be overemphasized.”
2008-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6015 (2008) · source