YouSaid · the spoken record

Takasu

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863
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1998-08-13
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2010-07-21
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125
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un-security-council

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  1. OCHA's briefing has made it abundantly clear that United Nations humanitarian programmes themselves largely rely on those NGOs for the delivery of assistance, and that the United Nations and the remaining NGOs cannot replace the significant loss caused by this decision. NGOs are the implementing partners of the United Nations. It is impossible for the United Nations to compensate for their absence and replace the work that was done by the expelled NGOs. We understand that it is the intention of the Government of the Sudan to increase the presence of national NGOs to replace their work, but that will take a long time to implement, and the most vulnerable affected persons need urgent assistance. Japan is one of the major donors to the Sudan.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6096 (2009) · source

  2. I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this afternoon's meeting. We are also grateful to the representative of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for the update on humanitarian situation in the Sudan, and in Darfur in particular. We note with deep concern the grave humanitarian situation in Darfur, particularly after the decision of the Government of the Sudan to revoke the registration and licences of major humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We have already witnessed serious consequences since the previous briefing, on 6 March, including the closing of some medical facilities and a shortage of water in some camps. It is clear that the damage will only increase. We are also concerned about what the food situation will be after the current stockpile is exhausted.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6096 (2009) · source

  3. We hope to receive a detailed and realistic assessment from the Secretary-General on the security and political situation on the ground.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  4. The integrated approach requires a truly inclusive political process that incorporates various opposition groups, clan leaders, civil society and other relevant stakeholders for nation- building. It will also be essential to assist institution- building in Somalia, such as efforts to strengthen governing capacity and infrastructure, for the sake of long-term stability. The international community must strengthen cooperation and interaction with Somalia, and we should mobilize the necessary support and resources. As for the future transition of AMISOM. to a United Nations peacekeeping operation, Japan looks forward to examining the report of the Secretary- General that is due by 15 April in order to determine the most appropriate course of action.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  5. As was discussed in the series of meetings of the Contact Group on Piracy Off the Coast of Somalia, it is important to strengthen partnerships, including through United Nations efforts for information sharing, in order to improve coordination between the various activities of Member States and the countries in the region. Japan will continue its active participation in the coordinated measures to address Somali piracy issues, drawing on its experience in Asia, such as the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against ships in Asia. Finally, we agree with the Secretary-General that it is important to take a multi-faceted approach to resolving the unstable situation in Somalia. The members of the transitional parliament have been moving back to the capital.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  6. Acts of piracy off the coast of Somalia pose a threat to the international community, seriously affecting safe passage and therefore requiring urgent action. In terms of the efforts of the international community, just a week ago, on 13 March 2009, the Japanese Government approved the deployment of Japan Self-Defence Forces to take measures against acts of piracy at sea off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden, in accordance with provisions of the existing law allowing maritime security operations on an emergency basis. Two destroyer ships have departed from Japan on this mission. The Japanese Government has also submitted a new draft law on the penalization of acts of piracy and measures against acts of piracy for approval by our Diet.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  7. An international donors conference will be organized to seek support for AMISOM. and for the capacity-building of Somali institutions, in accordance with resolution 1863 (2009). Building the capacity of Somali security institutions, including the joint security forces, is essential for stabilizing the security situation. Given the difficult situation on the ground, it is important for the international community to formulate the best possible way to assist Somali people in pursuing both a quick response and accountability at the same time. Japan, for its part, has provided assistance for humanitarian needs and security sector enhancement in an amount totalling $64.5 million over the past two years.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  8. in February resulted in the loss of 11 Burundian soldiers, and recently four United Nations aid workers were abducted and subsequently released. In these difficult circumstances, AMISOM. continues to secure strategic installations in cooperation with the joint security forces. Japan appreciates and commends the troop-contributing countries Burundi and Uganda for their important role in the Mission. The troop-contributing countries need every support in terms of logistics, training and equipment. It is important that the United Nations logistical package for AMISOM, proposed in the letter by the Secretary- General dated 19 December 2008 (S/2008/804), be speedily approved in accordance with the relevant United Nations rules and procedures, with adequate oversight and transparency.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  9. I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for his statement. We acknowledge, as stated in his briefing that significant progress has been made recently in the political process in Somalia. We have also witnessed very proactive efforts by the new President, Prime Minister and cabinet members in urging opposition groups to participate in the peace process. However, the prospects for realizing a more inclusive peace process remain dim. Hostilities against the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) continued to be carried out by rebel groups. The international community must continue to support the efforts of the new Government to promote an inclusive political process. A major area of concern is the unstable security situation. The attack on AMISOM.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  10. With international attention focused closely on the country, expectations for the role of the United Nations are higher than ever. A few months ago, Member States gave UNAMA increased resources to implement its strengthened role. We look forward to tangible progress in the country, facilitated through coordination by the United Nations Mission and the strong leadership of the Special Representative. Japan, as the lead country on Afghanistan in the Council, is pleased to submit a draft resolution extending the mandate of UNAMA for a further 12 months. It is our sincere hope that the Council will reaffirm its unwavering support for the United Nations Mission by adopting the draft resolution unanimously in the next few days.

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

  11. I agree with the Special Representative that stability cannot take root without economic development and capacity-building. To that end, Japan has assisted in the construction of infrastructure, including more than 650 kilometres of roads and the recently opened terminal building of Kabul International Airport. Japan places priority on agriculture and rural development. We have also prioritized education, as noted by the Special Representative, and the results of our support include the construction or restoration of 500 schools and the training of 10,000 teachers. I can assure the Council that our assistance is not limited to certain areas. We intend to expand our assistance in these fields. Before concluding, let me reiterate the important role of the United Nations in Afghanistan.

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

  12. Japan is pleased to host a meeting of the friends of democratic Pakistan group and the Pakistan donors conference in Tokyo in mid-April. The international community should spare no effort in supporting the region as a whole, politically as well as financially. As we enter a critical phase for the future of Afghanistan, Japan is committed to remaining a staunch supporter of the country's endeavours. To steadily implement the pledge of $2 billion we made in Paris and to meet the urgent needs of Afghanistan, we will disburse $300 million by the end of this month, including in support of the presidential election and assistance equivalent to six months' salary for all 80,000 Afghan police officers to meet the pressing need for police reform.

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

  13. It is crucial that the upcoming elections be successful in order to consolidate peace and democracy in Afghanistan. We are pleased that the registration process was conducted smoothly, and we pay tribute to the efforts and decisions of the authorities and people of the country. We must ensure that the entire electoral process is fair, smooth and credible, with the widest possible popular participation and observed by international monitors. We respect the prudent choice of the Afghan people and are confident that the Special Representative will make himself available to provide necessary advice and support. In discussing the strategy, the regional dimension is an important factor. Afghanistan's stability and prosperity hinge upon the stability of its neighbours, such as Pakistan and Central Asian countries.

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

  14. In this context, we welcome the forthcoming international conference on Afghanistan on 31 March, to be hosted by the United Nations, opened by the Secretary-General and chaired by the Special Representative, together with the Governments of Afghanistan and the Netherlands. We hope that the conference will provide an opportunity for countries concerned to share their strategies and agree on the future course of common action. I am certain that, at the conference, the essential role of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in coordinating the efforts of international actors on the ground will be stressed in order to formulate common strategy. The most important political event of the year is the presidential election.

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

  15. For the past few months, many Governments have been reviewing strategies to explore how we can best assist Afghanistan. Many of them, including Japan, have appointed special representatives for assistance to Afghanistan and Pakistan to coordinate and discuss the way forward with other partners from the perspective of the regional approach and to address Afghanistan and the neighbouring area as a whole in a comprehensive context. Those moves are welcome, as they reflect the continuing and ever-growing commitment of the international community to the stability of Afghanistan.

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

  16. To name but a few positive steps during the reporting period, we have seen improvements in civil-military coordination, a continued decrease in poppy production, and renewed momentum in the reform of the police and the Ministry of Interior. Mr. Eide referred to many other positive developments. Acknowledging such progress by no means suggests that we can afford to slacken our pace; rather, we must redouble our efforts in order to focus on the serious challenges, in particular improving the security situation and strengthening the national security capacity. In addressing those challenges, the international community and the Afghan Government must coordinate closely with one another, with a strong emphasis on ownership by the Government and people of Afghanistan.

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

  17. I wish first to thank Special Representative Kai Eide for his very interesting briefing this afternoon. A year ago in this Chamber, the Council discussed the need for strong leadership for the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan and welcomed Mr. Eide's appointment. The Council then identified the priorities for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and gave it a stronger role in coordinating the international efforts in the country. We highly appreciate the efforts of Mr. Eide and the dedicated staff of UNAMA, and wish to assure them of our strong support. When we look at the situation in Afghanistan, we tend to see the glass as half empty. We should recognize, however, that steady progress has been made in the face of daunting challenges.

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

  18. We believe it would be useful to set the priorities and timeframe for the Council's review. In that regard, we appreciate the Secretary-General's assessment and analysis of the panel's recommendations, on the basis of which the Security Council should examine the most appropriate way to follow up the recommendations. Finally, let me reiterate that peace and security in Africa are fundamental to the continent's economic and social stability. Japan, mindful of that overriding imperative, continues to promote peace and security in Africa and support for the efforts of the African Union and subregional organizations. In that regard, we attach particular priority to enhancing Africa's peacekeeping capabilities, strengthening the African Peace and Security Architecture, funding issues and an effective peacebuilding strategy.

    2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source

  19. We should also consider how to ensure accountability and transparency in a credible manner, on the part of the United Nations Secretariat and also on the part of the African Union. With regard to the possibility of establishing a trust fund based on voluntary contributions, we should examine the relationship with existing mechanisms and the modalities for effectively managing, planning for, implementing and evaluating the fund. We take note of the many interesting ideas presented in the panel's report. We are committed to supporting the African Union and other regional organizations in Africa and we are ready to consider carefully every feasible option. The panel's report addresses a wide variety of issues that will require detailed technical consideration.

    2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source

  20. However, an authorization given by the Security Council for such an operation itself is meant for activities of regional organizations and does not automatically qualify for financial support by the United Nations. In our view, we need to clarify practical, legal, administrative and financial aspects. We should also study the matter further to determine what would be credible and realistic conditions in order for such support to be made available. When it comes to the use of the assessed budget of the United Nations, we must stress the importance of respecting the established rules and mechanisms of the United Nations. As clearly stated in the Charter of the United Nations, including in Article 17, only the expenses of the United Nations itself shall be borne by Member States through assessed contributions.

    2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source

  21. Japan will continue to provide its assistance to support training centres for peacekeeping operations in many African countries. The most crucial factor for effective action is African ownership, and we welcome the growing commitment to that on the part of the AU. In this respect, it is interesting to note the recommendation contained in the panel's report to establish a system for financial support for peacekeeping operations through AU-assessed contributions. We recognize the panel's emphasis on the fact that one of major constraints is resources - how to secure predictable, sustainable and flexible resources. We naturally welcome initiatives by regional organizations such as the AU to maintain regional peace and security.

    2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source

  22. The Security Council should encourage the international community and mobilize traditional and new, unconventional donors to continue to extend support for the capacity-building of AU headquarters, AU peacekeeping operations and individual Member States that are troop-contributing countries. The importance of capacity-building through better training and better equipment cannot be overemphasized and should be given particular attention. At the fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, held in Japan this past year, support for capacity-building of African peacekeeping efforts was stressed as an essential element of the consolidation of peace and stability in Africa. We therefore welcome the ongoing efforts made by the AU support team within the United Nations Secretariat.

    2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source

  23. The cooperation between the Security Council and regional organizations should be developed in a way that reflects the principle that the Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, according to the Charter. In particular, when peacekeeping operations that are initiated and led by regional organizations are considered for transfer to United Nations peacekeeping operations, the United Nations and the relevant regional organizations must start early-stage consultation, coordination and information sharing. Japan has promoted the enhanced peacekeeping capabilities of African countries, the AU and regional organizations.

    2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source

  24. We commend the efforts undertaken by African countries. It is important for the United Nations to make full use of the strength and advantage of regional organizations whenever appropriate, consistent with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter. We concur on the need to reinforce practical cooperation between the United Nations and the AU. More specific steps should be taken to strengthen cooperation between the United Nations Secretariat and the AU Commission. We should also further promote the existing good cooperation between the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council.

    2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source

  25. First of all, I would like to welcome the appointment of the Permanent Representative of the Libyan Arab J amahiriya, who is a friend of ours. I thank His Excellency Mr. Prodi for the introduction of a very important report (S/2008/813). I would also like to welcome the presence of African Union Commissioner Lamamra and Ms. Dlamini Zuma, Foreign Minister of South Africa, at today's meeting. The presence of these high-level representatives demonstrates the importance that African Union members attach to this challenging issue. The Security Council has been devoting considerable time and energy to addressing many issues of peace and stability in Africa. Therefore, it is gratifying that the African Union (AU) has been playing an increasingly important role in the maintenance of peace and security on the African continent.

    2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source

  26. On 9 March 2009 - yesterday - the Committee sent letters to the concerned Member States, inviting them to provide within 10 working days any additional relevant information regarding that transaction that may help the Committee carry out its mandate to examine and take appropriate action on information regarding alleged violations of the measures imposed in resolutions 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007) and 1803 (2008). Finally, with regard to reporting by States on their implementation of all the relevant measures set out in resolutions 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007) and 1803 (2008), the updated figures are as follows: 91 reports under resolution 1737 (2006), 78 reports under resolution 1747 (2007) and 65 reports under resolution 1803 (2008).

    2009-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6090 (2009) · source

  27. The Committee responded to that letter on 6 February, stating that the transfer of the materiel in question constituted a violation of paragraph 5 of resolution 1747 (2007), which states that "Iran shall not supply, sell or transfer directly or indirectly from its territory or by its nationals or using its flag vessels or aircraft any arms or related materiel, and that all States shall prohibit the procurement of such items from Iran by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft". The Member State provided additional information to the Committee on 12 February, and the Committee subsequently responded on 24 February.

    2009-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6090 (2009) · source

  28. 2 As has been the case in the past, the Committee received two notifications - one at the end of last year and the other at the beginning of this year - from the Russian Federation with reference to paragraph 5 of resolution 1737 (2006), concerning the delivery of items for use in the nuclear power plant at Bushehr, Iran. On 3 February 2009, the Committee received a letter from a Member State seeking guidance with respect to its inspections of cargo on a vessel carrying its flag that had been found to be carrying arms-related materiel.

    2009-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6090 (2009) · source

  29. In the new year, after I had taken over, the Committee received from the secretariat of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) a copy of a report by the IAEA Director General, entitled "Technical Cooperation: The Agency's Proposed Programme for 2009-2011", as well as an addendum to that report, entitled "Evaluation of Technical Cooperation to be provided to Iran during the Technical Cooperation Cycle 2009-2011". The Board of Governors of the IAEA had approved the report and concurred with the evaluation of technical cooperation to be provided to Iran in the light of resolutions 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007) and 1803 (2008).

    2009-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6090 (2009) · source

  30. This is the ninth 90-day report to the Security Council in accordance with paragraph 18 (h) of resolution 1737 (2006) and the first in my capacity as Chairman of the Committee. The report covers the period from 11 December 2008 to 10 March 2009, during which time the Committee held no meetings but conducted its work using the silence procedure. Under the chairmanship of my predecessor, Ambassador Jan Grauls of Belgium, the Committee responded to a written query received from a Member State seeking clarifications on aspects of the sanctions regime relevant to interactions with an entity designated in the annex to resolution 1737 (2006). The Committee also approved its annual report for 2008, contained in document S/2008/839.

    2009-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6090 (2009) · source

  31. There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 11.10 am.

    2009-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6088 (2009) · source

  32. We would like to share our views and experience, together with our fellow Asian partners of OSCE - the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Afghanistan and Mongolia - in order to deepen cooperation with OSCE. I should like to reaffirm Japan's close collaboration with OSCE. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. The representative of France has asked for the floor to make a further statement.

    2009-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6088 (2009) · source

  33. Japan and OSCE have closely cooperated on issues of human security in the areas of refugee assistance, internally displaced persons, ethnic reconciliation, human trafficking and environmental degradation through various activities, including workshops and conferences. We are convinced that the human security approach will provide a strong focus on the activities of OSCE. As stated in the concept paper proposed by the Greek chairmanship, it will create a model case of symmetry, synergy and strategy. We believe that the Greek chairmanship, having organized an international conference on human security and climate change last year, will continue to promote such an approach. In conclusion, in June this year it was Japan's turn to host the annual OSCE-Asian Partners Conference in Tokyo.

    2009-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6088 (2009) · source

  34. We sent a significant number of monitors, and made financial contributions to election support in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania and Kosovo. Last year, we took part in OSCE election monitoring missions in Armenia, Georgia and Belarus. Secondly, Afghanistan is one of the areas to which both Japan and OSCE attach great importance. Japan intends to contribute to the OSCE Afghan border security reinforcement project. Japan will extend the utmost support to stabilization and reconstruction, especially as the presidential election is scheduled for this year, which is an important milestone in the State- building of the country. Thirdly, Japan believes that OSCE's comprehensive, cross-dimensional and integrated approach to security could be effectively addressed by promoting the concept of human security.

    2009-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6088 (2009) · source

  35. Japan, as a partner country of the OSCE, shares fundamental values of peace and stability, sustainable development and human rights and has been actively participating in a wide range of OSCE activities for many years. We have exchanged knowledge and experience with the OSCE by sending experts and officials to field operations, participating in election monitoring missions and providing financial support for seminars and other activities. Through that long- term cooperation with the OSCE, Japan finds it beneficial to tackle together a wide range of global problems with member countries of the OSCE. First, Japan has actively collaborated in assisting the democratization process through OSCE election monitoring missions.

    2009-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6088 (2009) · source

  36. I will now make a statement in my national capacity. I would like to join my colleagues in congratulating Foreign Minister Bakoyannis for her very valuable briefing to the Council this morning. We admire her tireless efforts as Chairperson in leading the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to ensure security not only in Europe but in the broader Eurasian region. Japan highly appreciates the Greek chairmanship this year and welcomes the recent agreement to extend the mandate of the OSCE Mission to Georgia, one of the high priorities of the OSCE's agenda. Peace and security are indivisible geographically. We need global solutions to global issues. Regional organizations such as the OSCE can make great contributions to the global work undertaken by the United Nations.

    2009-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6088 (2009) · source

  37. Dora Bakoyannis, Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece. I now have the honour to give her the floor.

    2009-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6088 (2009) · source

  38. In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council's prior consultations, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to Ms. Dora Bakoyannis, Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece. There being no objection, it is so decided. On behalf of the Council, I extend the warmest possible welcome to Her Excellency Ms. Dora Bakoyannis and invite her to take a seat at the Council table. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in the course of its prior consultations. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear a briefing by Her Excellency Ms.

    2009-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6088 (2009) · source

  39. I thank Mr. De Mistura for his comments. I look forward to his continuing to do a goodjob, along with his staff. There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 12.35 p.m. 27

    2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source

  40. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. I give the floor to Mr. De Mistura to respond to comments made by members of the Council.

    2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source

  41. Another important issue is how to normalize Iraq's relationship with the rest of us in the international community and to achieve international standing equal to that which it held prior to the adoption of resolution 661 (1990). We very much look forward to the Secretary-General's report in response to resolution 1859 (2008). We welcome the positive interaction of the Government of Iraq with its neighbours. We strongly call on the Government, as a responsible partner, to work constructively with neighbouring countries and the international community to work out solutions on all outstanding issues. As we recognize the gains achieved so far, we note that 2009 will be an important year for the future of Iraq. I would like to conclude by reiterating Japan's strong support for the Government and the people of Iraq.

    2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source

  42. While the international community, including Japan, is ready to support Iraq, the Government of Iraq is expected to address the undertakings it made in the International Compact for Iraq. We are confident that, with appropriate technical support, Iraq will soon become a vibrant economy that can reap the benefits of peace. Other challenges include the disputed internal boundaries, the constitutional review and national elections. The issue of the status of Kirkuk will soon come to the forefront. I hope that the Iraqi people will be able to find an equitable solution to this issue with the assistance of UNAMI. Political issues can be solved only through the political process. Resorting to violence to achieve political gains is totally unacceptable.

    2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source

  43. In addition to $6 billion in debt relief measures, Japan has pledged additional support of $3.5 billion for the rehabilitation of large-scale infrastructure. Already, 12 strategically important projects, for a total amount of $2.5 billion, have been agreed. The remaining $1 billion will place more focus on development in the central and western regions. However, there are still significant challenges that remain to be tackled by the Iraqi people. First and foremost, Iraq needs to achieve economic growth and improve basic social services, which must be available to all the Iraqi people, including displaced persons. This has become a real challenge with the sharp decline of oil prices.

    2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source

  44. Improvement in security is vital to the development of the country. The positive progress in the security situation during the last quarter is encouraging. We welcome the growing role of the Iraqi security forces. I take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the United States, the United Kingdom and other coalition countries that are providing security support. However, there are still disturbing incidents, and we condemn all acts of violence. Together with security, we should concentrate on rehabilitation, reconstruction and development to improve the living standards of all the Iraqi people. Japan has extended $1.6 billion in grant aid for immediate needs in such areas as supply of electricity and medical services.

    2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source

  45. Our election observers who participated in the process reported the high regard in which they held the professional work of the Independent High Electoral Commission and the generally smooth conduct of the voting. I am grateful for the kind words regarding the Japanese contribution. Only a representative and inclusive electoral process will carry the legitimacy necessary to gain the support of the people. The result of the elections will require political parties to work with each other to select their officers. Japan hopes that the success of the governorate elections augurs well for the future democratic process. We hope for an even higher turnout in the next stages - the national election and the remaining governorate elections - with the collaboration of the Independent High Electoral Commission and UNAMI.

    2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source

  46. I shall now make a statement in my national capacity, as representative of Japan. I would like to thank Mr. Staffan de Mistura for his very helpful report. Japan wholeheartedly supports and backs the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). I express profound gratitude to all the staff of UNAMI, who work under difficult conditions. We express our sincere condolences to the families of staff members who have lost their lives in a noble mission. I would also like to congratulate Ambassador Al Bayati on his very important statement and on the progress that the Iraqi Government and people are making. Japan is pleased with the positive developments during the reporting period, most notably the successful governorate elections in January.

    2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source

  47. I thank Mr. De Mistura for his very comprehensive briefing on the good progress that has been made during this period. I now call on the representative of Iraq.

    2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source

  48. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear a briefing by Mr. Staffan de Mistura, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the 2 United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. I warmly welcome him this morning and give him the floor.

    2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source

  49. The President: In accordance with the understanding reached in the course of the Council's prior consultations, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to Mr. Staffan de Mistura, Special Representative of the Secretary- General and head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. It is so decided. I invite Mr. De Mistura to take a seat at the Council table. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them document S/2009/ 102, which contains the report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 1830 (2008).

    2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source

  50. I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Iraq, in which he requests to be invited to participate in the consideration of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the consideration of the item, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Al Bayati (Iraq) took a seat at the Council table.

    2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source