YouSaid · the spoken record

Takasu

lines on the record: 863
first: 1998-08-13
most recent: 2010-07-21
sittings or episodes: 125
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

“We believe it 07-54678 appropriate for the Commission to begin addressing the issues to be considered in adding new countries to the Commission's agenda, in close consultation with the referring bodies, including the Security Council. Secondly, strengthening the Commission's relationship with relevant bodies and actors, such as the United Nations principal organs, namely the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Secretariat, funds and programmes, regional and subregional organizations, international financial institutions and civil society, is essential. As part of such efforts, I myself, as Chairman of the Commission, will make constant efforts and avail myself of every opportunity to establish closer working relationships with those organizations. Therefore, Mr.”
2007-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5761 (2007) · source
“The "Conclusions" section of the report is a reflection on key outstanding issues and challenges before the Commission, namely, the development of monitoring and tracking mechanisms, working methods, advocacy, the Peacebuilding Fund and relationships with other relevant bodies. The United Nations peacebuilding architecture is now fully in place: the Peacebuilding Commission, comprised of the Organizational Committee, the country-specific meetings and the Working Group on Lessons Learned; the Peacebuilding Fund and its advisory group; and the Peacebuilding Support Office. As the Commission is entering its second year of activity, we must ensure that its activities are carried out in a coherent and integrated manner.”
2007-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5761 (2007) · source
“The Peacebuilding Commission also sought to accumulate best practices and lessons learned on some critical peacebuilding issues. Through the Working Group on Lessons Learned, the Commission was able to benefit from existing experiences of peace consolidation on such important issues as post-conflict elections and regional approaches to peacebuilding. The Working Group, under the able chairmanship of Ambassador Gallardo Hernandez of El Salvador, intends to consider other relevant issues in the second year As clearly underlined in its first annual report, the Peacebuilding Commission faced challenges during the initial phase of establishing its organizational structures, defining its working methods and finding ways to fulfil its core mandates. Some of those challenges will be the subject of additional discussion during the second session.”
2007-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5761 (2007) · source
“07-54678 The Commission endorsed the development of the Integrated Peacebuilding Strategy (IPBS) for Burundi, of which the Strategic Framework is an important step. A key next step is to develop the in-country tracking and monitoring mechanism, which we already began to take under the guidance of the coordinating Chair, Ambassador Johan Lovald of Norway. In Sierra Leone, the presidential and parliamentary elections were held successfully. Our coordinating Chair of the country-specific meeting on Sierra Leone, Ambassador Frank Majoor of the Netherlands, has just come back from Sierra Leone with the most updated information. Work will continue on the draft of IPBS, so that we may come to an agreement as soon as possible.”
2007-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5761 (2007) · source
“In the course of approximately 50 formal and informal meetings and briefings held in its various configurations, the Peacebuilding Commission addressed critical organizational, methodological and thematic issues, as well as the country-specific issues of Burundi and Sierra Leone, coordinating various contributions to sustainable peace and opening avenues for mutual commitments between the international community and the countries under consideration. I believe that, in its first year, the Peacebuilding Commission contributed significantly to the promotion of integrated post-conflict peacebuilding strategies in Burundi and Sierra Leone by deepening the dialogue with all relevant stakeholders. As mentioned in the annual report, the Commission intends to further strengthen the effectiveness of its engagement with Burundi and Sierra Leone.”
2007-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5761 (2007) · source
“With that in mind, let me briefly look back on the first year of the work of the Commission. The first annual report of the Peacebuilding Commission, as contained in document S/2007/458, provides a detailed account of the work and activities of the Commission during the first year of its operation. The process of compiling the report reflected the seriousness with which the Commission's membership has undertaken its work and the significance it attaches to its anticipated contribution to peace consolidation and the promotion of national ownership of peacebuilding measures in post-conflict situations. Here, I would like to pay special tribute to Ambassador Gaspar Martins of Angola for his dedication and leadership in steering the initial stage of the Commission's work.”
2007-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5761 (2007) · source
“Mr. Takasu: First of all, on behalf of the members of the Peacebuilding Commission, allow me to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, Mr. President, for providing a timely opportunity to discuss the annual report of the Peacebuilding Commission. In September 2005, our leaders adopted the World Summit Outcome Document, which explicitly emphasized the need for a "coordinated, coherent and integrated approach to post-conflict peacebuilding and reconciliation with a View to achieving sustainable peace" (General Assembly resolution 60/1, para. 97). The Outcome Document further states that the Commission was established "to bring together all relevant actors to marshal resources and to advise on and propose integrated strategies for post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery" (para. 98).”
2007-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5761 (2007) · source
“Japan takes note of the suggestion recently made by some Member States of appointing a new United Nations special envoy. We look forward to a more detailed, concrete proposal to that effect. At the same time, we reaffirm that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General has played a central role in the coordination of the international efforts for Afghanistan. Japan will chair the G8 in 2008, succeeding Germany. The issues of Afghanistan will be one of the major topics to be discussed at G8 meetings. In keeping with our steadfast commitment to Afghanistan, Japan will also host a meeting of the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board in Japan next year. Japan will continue its close cooperation with the United Nations aimed at achieving a stable and prosperous Afghanistan.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Japan has a strong interest in human resources development and has provided technical cooperation for the training of teachers and the reconstruction of more than 300 schools. We intend to further expand our assistance to support the national education strategic plan in areas such as literacy education and the building of schools. To date, we have implemented assistance amounting to $1.24 billion and we will implement the remaining $210 million of the amount pledged at the London Conference, with particular focus on improvement of the security situation and advancing economic development. The Secretary-General reports that UNAMA will focus on consolidating its presence, while expanding its international staff. In light of the current security conditions, we support this direction as a reasonable one.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Shortly, the Government of Japan intends to submit to the Diet for its approval a bill providing the legal basis for continuing its maritime supply operations in the Indian Ocean. Japan shares the concern expressed in the Secretary-General's report (S/2007/555) over the linkage between the increasingly critical narcotics issue and reconstruction and nation-building. Counter- narcotics actions must be strengthened, together with capacity-building, in the months to come. As part of its integrated approach to addressing issues such as poverty, security and narcotics, Japan has promoted comprehensive rural development, with efforts to develop agriculture and rural communities at its core.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“At the same time, I must emphasize that, in order for further progress to be made, it is essential to carry out the recommendations put forth at the conference held in Tokyo in June this year, including improving the coordination between DIAG and other areas of security-sector reform, such as police reform. In addressing the threat posed by terrorists in Afghanistan, sustained international efforts are needed to supplement the efforts of the Afghan Government itself. Security Council resolution 1776 (2007) stresses the necessity of such international efforts, including those of the International Security Assistance Force and the Operation Enduring Freedom coalition. We welcome the position taken by the Council. Japan is determined to continue its supply operations to vessels conducting maritime interdiction operations.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Koenigs for his service and his dedication to the fulfilment of the indispensable role of the United Nations. The security situation in Afghanistan remains a source of deep concern. In particular, we are seriously concerned about the increasing number of abduction cases and suicide attacks. Among the various efforts to improve the security situation, security sector reform has a key role to play. We support the efforts of President Karzai and his Government in that area and look forward to further initiatives and achievements in the future. As regards the disbandment of illegal and armed groups (DIAG) process, in which Japan is acting as lead country, I was encouraged by a recent report from the embassy in Kabul that over the past year momentum has been regained and progress achieved in the areas of both policy and operations.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Those positive signs of progress notwithstanding, the challenges facing Afghanistan are enormous, and problems related to security, narcotics and corruption have yet to be overcome. Sustained and coordinated international efforts to assist the country are essential. I take this opportunity to reaffirm Japan's unwavering commitment to supporting Afghanistan in its efforts to stabilize and reconstruct the nation. I would also like to underscore the central role that the United Nations has been playing in coordinating international efforts to address these and other challenges. Japan commends the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and its staff, who are operating under very difficult conditions. In particular, I would like to express our deep appreciation to Mr.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Thank you very much, Mr. President, for convening today's debate on the situation in Afghanistan. I join previous speakers in thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Koenigs, for his comprehensive and informative briefing. Since the last debate on this topic in the Security Council, in March this year (see S/PV.5641), we have been encouraged by certain progress made in Afghanistan. In the area of economic development, positive economic figures have been reported and the finalization of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy is under way. Regional initiatives, including the convening of the peace jirga in August, have contributed to the process of establishing peace and security in the region.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“We hope the concerned parties and factions in the country will engage in efforts to promote stability and reconstruction through dialogue and without resort to violence. There remain many challenges in Lebanon that must be addressed in order to achieve full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) and stabilization of the situation. A permanent ceasefire and long-term solution require that the international community tackle vigorously tasks including an arms embargo, the disarming and disbanding of all remaining militias and the delineation of the borders. We are deeply concerned that the two Israeli soldiers abducted by Hizbollah have not been returned and that in fact no proof of life has been provided. A comprehensive peace that includes both a Lebanese and Syrian track is the only way to achieve permanent peace in the region.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Japan strongly urges both the Israeli and Palestinian sides to redouble their efforts toward these ends. In the view of the series of important international gatherings scheduled this year, Japan for its part will continue to play a proactive role in advancing the peace process in cooperation with its partners in the international community, taking into full account all parallel good offices efforts, including those of the relevant Arab countries, to advance the Arab Peace Initiative. Before concluding, Mr. President, let me touch briefly upon the situation in Lebanon. Japan supports the efforts of the Lebanese Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Siniora, to achieve stability in Lebanon.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736Resumption1 (2007) · source
“It is therefore appropriate that we should address the problem from both the political and economic perspective, in parallel. While there are such encouraging developments, much remains to be done. Among the subjects that must be taken up are improving security, problems associated with the settlements and the security barrier in the West Bank, easing movement and access, continuing the transfer of tax and customs revenues, and releasing the Israeli soldier abducted by Hamas as well as a greater number of Palestinian prisoners being held in Israel. It is also essential to restore unity to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in order to realize the shared goal of a two-State solution. Moreover, the involvement of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in the peace process is of critical importance.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736Resumption1 (2007) · source
“At the meeting, an agreement was reached on the building of an agro- industrial park in the southern part of the Jericho governorate. The parties welcomed the initiative as a catalyst to confidence-building between the parties concerned. For instance, Foreign Minister Livni made a remark to the effect that the visits to Jericho in quick succession by the Prime Minister and then the Foreign Minister of Israel were a symbolic indication of the very beginning of normalization between Israel and Palestine. Mr. Erakat said, for his part, that the concept of the corridor for peace and prosperity could help to give the Palestinians a future. Japan believes that in order to promote the peace process, it is critically important for Palestinians to maintain hope for the future.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736Resumption1 (2007) · source
“In this connection, Japan has been advancing the concept of the corridor for peace and prosperity, to which the representative of Bangladesh kindly referred a few minutes ago. It is development plan aimed at contributing to the creation of a viable Palestinian economy based on developing the private sector by establishing an agro-industrial park in the West Bank and facilitating the transportation of goods from the West Bank through Jordan, mainly to the Gulf States. On 15 August, Japan's Foreign Minister organized the second ministerial-level meeting of the Four-Party Consultative Unit in Jericho, in the West Bank, with the participation of Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Livni of Israel, Head of the Negotiations Affairs Department of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, Mr. Erakat, and Foreign Minister Khatib of Jordan.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736Resumption1 (2007) · source
“We recognize that the only way toward the achievement of peace in the Middle East is to foster coexistence and co-prosperity between Israel and Palestine. It was to these ends that the Government of Japan announced, on the occasion of the visit in mid-August of our Foreign Minister to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories, its decision to provide a new package of assistance, valued at over $20 million. It consists of $11.2 million in direct financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority and $9.3 million in food aid, medicine and other humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian territories. Japan will consider further assistance to the Palestinian Authority for the purpose of building a self-sustaining Palestinian economy.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736Resumption1 (2007) · source
“We welcome in particular the convening of the summit meetings between the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority that have taken place since July. These meetings have contributed to the establishment of a good atmosphere conducive to further dialogue on the whole range of issues of mutual concern. The international community should make its best efforts to maintain this momentum and promote this dialogue. I would like to affirm that Japan remains fully committed to engaging actively in the peace process and to providing the utmost tangible support to President Abbas, the legitimate leader of the Palestinian Authority, and to the new Government led by Prime Minister Fayyad in their endeavours to achieve peace.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736Resumption1 (2007) · source
“I would like to express my appreciation to you, Mr. President, for convening this open debate on the situation in the Middle East, an issue of paramount importance to international peace and security. It is a great honour for me to address this body just one day after presenting my credentials to the Secretary-General. I would like to join other speakers in thanking Mr. Michael Williams, the Personal Representative of the Secretary-General, for his comprehensive briefing today and to pay tribute to him for all that he has accomplished in the course of a long and distinguished career at the United Nations. There have been a number of significant events and developments in the Middle East in recent months.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736Resumption1 (2007) · source
“In this connection, we hope that the general and comprehensive review of security requirements for peacekeepers, which has been planned by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, will be completed as soon as possible. A working group or a seminar on the safety and security of United Nations personnel, with the participation of Member States, which the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations proposed last year, would serve as a useful forum to facilitate this review. Japan is ready to extend its support for such a meeting. In closing, let me emphasize that all of us gathered here today must recommit ourselves to translating words into concrete actions for the improved security of the dedicated men and women who are working for the cause of global peace.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“I would therefore like to express Japan's appreciation to the Office of the United Nations Security Coordinator for its dedicated efforts in carrying out those training activities. The need for security training is growing, and the Trust Fund requires continued support. We find it deeply distressing that to date only five Member States, including Japan, have contributed to this Trust Fund. My delegation would like to invite the entire membership of the United Nations to support the Trust Fund. As a way of encouraging a more positive response from Member States, it might be worthwhile for the Secretariat to organize regular briefings to apprise them of concrete measures that have been taken so far and to discuss with them possible additional measures and support.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“Another important area is the need for concrete and practical steps to enhance safety. Training in safety and security is of paramount importance. Since the end of 1998, the Office of the United Nations Security Coordinator has organized a series of training missions and workshops in many regions of the world, including Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Kenya, and we understand that additional workshops are scheduled to take place this year, all financed from the Trust Fund for Security of United Nations personnel. We have been gratified to learn that quite a few staff members have credited the lessons they received in those workshops with saving their lives. The workshops are very important.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“Japan heartily supports the recommendation of the Secretary-General, contained in his report of 8 September 1999, calling upon the Security Council to "Invite the General Assembly to urgently pursue the development of a protocol to the 1994 Convention, which would extend the scope of legal protection to all United Nations and associated personnel." (S/1999/957, recommendation II) To this end, we welcome the General Assembly resolution on this question, resolution 54/ 192 of 17 December 1999. At the same time, while awaiting the protocol to the 1994 Convention, it should be recalled that the Convention itself contains a provision that the Security Council may extend the scope of legal protection on a case-by-case basis. Perhaps the Security Council might utilize this mechanism.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“In this regard, I hope that the Security Council will urge those Member States hosting United Nations operations in their own territories to sign and ratify the Convention, thereby - along with welcoming and receiving United Nations operations in their own territories - clearly demonstrating their political and legal commitment to uphold their responsibility of protecting the safety of United Nations and associated personnel who are working in their area. In addition, as regards the legal framework, it is also necessary to extend the scope of the Convention to include United Nations and associated personnel who are not yet under its umbrella.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“The fact that, as previous speakers have noted, only 29 countries have thus far ratified this Convention is a source of great disappointment to my delegation. Moreover, these 29 countries do not include a single country in which United Nations peacekeeping forces are deployed. As the second country to have ratified this Convention, Japan would like to call upon those States that have not yet done so to become parties to it as soon as possible. It is especially important that all members of the Security Council do so; so far only four have. By ratifying the Convention, Security Council members would be setting an example for the rest of the membership of the Organization.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“The strong and consistent interest of the Security Council in the safety of personnel engaged in United Nations operations under dangerous circumstances will demonstrate that the international community will not tolerate a culture of impunity and will hold responsible the organizations and individuals who violate the safety of personnel. While a wide range of specific measures are called for, today I would like to focus my comments on two areas where I believe further efforts are especially needed. The first area is the international legal framework. In January 1999 we finally welcomed the entry into force of the 1994 Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“It is imperative, therefore, that we mobilize our collective political will and start taking concrete and practical steps to protect those personnel and prevent further casualties. First and foremost, what can the Security Council do to improve the safety of personnel? The Security Council, as the principal organ for the maintenance of international peace and security, should attach higher priority in its work to the safety of personnel in the field. We expect the Council to continue to monitor closely the situation in the field and, if necessary, to adopt specific measures to protect personnel in conflict zones and take a public stand against those who endanger the lives of such personnel.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“I would like to thank you, Sir, for personally presiding over this meeting to consider ways and means of enhancing the security of those personnel who are working in conflict zones. The importance of this issue cannot be overemphasized, as the safety of personnel is a precondition for the success of every United Nations political and humanitarian operation. Although the need to improve the safety of United Nations personnel working in the field has been discussed at length in this Council before and in other forums of the United Nations, it is very clear that more needs to be done. As the number of those killed and who have suffered in the line of duty continues to increase, there is no clear sign of improvement in the security situation surrounding those personnel.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“There is clearly a need for stronger leadership by the Security Council in raising international awareness of crises as they erupt in Africa. It is my sincere hope that, building upon our discussion today, the Council will hereafter have the ability to respond to crises in Africa in a more timely and effective manner.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“While I am fully aware of the cooperation already under way in this field between the Secretariats of the United Nations and the OAU, I would like to propose that the Council exercise more vigorous leadership in mobilizing the international community to strengthen the ability of regional and subregional organizations in Africa to maintain peace and stability. In this context, I would like to inform the Council that Japan will organize an international symposium in Tokyo this coming March on the roles of subregional organizations and non-govemmental organizations in conflict prevention and resolution in Africa, to which we are inviting representatives of the United Nations, the OAU, ECOWAS, SADC and IGAD, as well as various research institutions and non-governmental organizations.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Secondly, I stress the need to strengthen the capacity of the regional and subregional organizations to maintain stability in Africa. The recent experiences of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in addressing conflicts clearly demonstrated that there is a consensus among African people that regional and subregional organizations have an active role to play in the field of conflict prevention and mediation. But it has also become apparent that the ability of these organizations to play such a role is hindered by a lack of administrative infrastructure and financial resources.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The Lusaka Agreement, which was concluded in July and which established a ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a truly commendable achievement by the African States concerned. It is therefore imperative that the international community extend its full support for it. I hope that the Security Council will act quickly to despatch the 500 military observers to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in order to consolidate compliance with the Lusaka Agreement by all the parties concerned, and that it will become engaged in efforts to deploy a full-fledged peacekeeping force as soon as possible. I would like to assure you, Mr. President, that Japan, which provides 20 per cent of the cost of any peacekeeping operation, would support any decision of the Council to that end.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting to consider ways and means of strengthening the United Nations partnership with Africa. Today I wish to make the following two points, taking into account the format and the goal of this meeting which you have proposed. First, I must stress the need for the Security Council to respond to crises in Africa quickly and adequately. It is most important that Council members, and the permanent members in particular, conduct their work with an awareness that failure on the part of the Council to take necessary action in time will result in human suffering. In this context, I want to touch upon the issue of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is all too clear that if the peace process there fails it could have grave implications for the entire continent.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The path to peace in Afghanistan is a long and arduous one. I believe, however, that the international community must continue to strive to convince the parties to the conflict that the achievement of a durable peace will be to their benefit, and Japan will continue to play an active role in this endeavour.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4039Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Fourthly, the international community should convey to the leaders of the Afghan factions and people a clear message of the commitment of the international community to extend assistance for their efforts to reconstruct the country once the fighting ceases, peace is restored and a broad-based, multi-ethnic and representative Government is formed. The establishment of such a Government is indispensable for the provision of assistance by the international community for the reconstruction of the country. We hope that such a strong commitment by the international community will encourage the factions to come to the negotiating table and settle the dispute peacefully. Japan, for its part, renews its own commitment and readiness to contribute to the reconstruction of Afghanistan once peace has been restored.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4039Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Thirdly, in view of the tremendous human suffering of the Afghan people, the international community should continue to provide humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan. The Afghan support group is performing a crucial service by exploring ways to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of such assistance. Recognizing the need to strengthen the work of the Afghan support group, Japan hosted its fourth meeting in Tokyo last December. In the past ten years Japan has provided humanitarian assistance amounting to $400 million through United Nations agencies and programmes. Most recently, Japan funded the Afghan refugee repatriation programme in the Azra and Tizin districts which contributed to the repatriation of 20,000 refugees. We will continue to commit ourselves to extending such support in the future.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4039Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The ultimate objective of such dialogue should be to establish a broad-based, multi-ethnic and representative government, which will ensure a durable peace throughout the country. Japan, for its part, stands ready to have a meeting among the Afghan factions in which they can engage in dialogue in neutral surroundings, with the aim of finding a way towards achieving national reconciliation. Secondly, the countries concerned, and neighbouring countries in particular, should not interfere in the conflict, but rather should use their influence on the warring factions to bring the fighting to an end. It is especially important that all concerned stop extending military assistance or supplying arms to the warring factions, and that they refrain from any other measures that could prolong the hostilities.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4039Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We recognize that they are working under extremely difficult conditions, and we encourage them to continue their worthy endeavours. Japan also supports efforts made by the "six plus two" group, composed of six States bordering on Afghanistan as well as the Russian Federation and the United States. Japan wishes to assure this group of its support and hopes that their work will complement that of the United Nations and will promote an early settlement of the conflict. Today, I would like to highlight four elements that are essential for the achievement of a peaceful settlement of this prolonged conflict. First, the Taliban and the other Afghan warring factions should immediately cease fighting and resume their dialogue. A durable peace can be achieved only through peaceful means.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4039Resumption1 (1999) · source
“I would like to welcome the opportunity to express, under your presidency, Japan's view on the situation in Afghanistan. First of all, we listened with concern to the useful update on the situation by Mr. Prendergast this morning. Japan shares deep concern over the latest developments in Afghanistan, where fighting among the factions has intensified. Many innocent people have been forcibly displaced from their homes. The suffering of the civilian population is increasing, and there is concern among neighbouring countries about the influx of refugees. Japan supports the valuable efforts being made by the Secretary-General and particularly by his Special Envoy, Ambassador Brahimi, and also at the field level by the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan to restore peace to Afghanistan.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4039Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Japan strongly hopes that the Security Council, in collaboration with other United Nations bodies and organizations, will institute appropriate and effective measures so that a safer and better world can be our legacy for the new millennium.”
1999-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3980 (1999) · source
“The Security Council adopted last November two important resolutions which are of special relevance to the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflicts: one on the neutrality and security of refugee camps, and the other on the question, in which my delegation played a coordinating role, of illicit arms flows. The Council's recent presidential statement on children and armed conflict is also of great importance. Furthermore, the Council has this time requested the Secretary-General to submit to it a report containing concrete recommendations to the Council on ways the Council, within its sphere of responsibility, can improve physical and legal measures for the protection of civilians in situations of conflict. Obviously, the responsibility to carry out actual measures to protect civilians is not confined to the Council.”
1999-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3980 (1999) · source
“Japan, as a top donor, intends to pursue the strengthening of close linkage between humanitarian and development assistance, and between conflict prevention and development, while paying due respect to the intangible values and traditions of the local peoples concerned. Another point I should like to emphasize is the importance of following up on decisions the Council adopted on the basis of the report of the Secretary-General on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa (S/1998/318).”
1999-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3980 (1999) · source
“And, along with basic necessities, from drinking water to mine-free lands, it is of utmost importance that people waging conflicts, in particular, will come to be convinced that lasting peace is the only answer to their problems. In this respect, we agree with Ms. Carol Bellamy that the importance of education cannot be exaggerated. The description of her visits to classes held outdoors under the trees in Tanzania's refugee camps for children from Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is an eloquent testimony to the efforts that are under way to re-establish orderly life even in the midst of crisis.”
1999-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3980 (1999) · source
“IO) As we witness the breakdown of such traditional norms of behaviour, which leads to unspeakable brutality against vulnerable members of the population, it is essential that we take pains to preserve and restore those norms to avoid further tragedy and additional humanitarian disasters. In the face of proliferating and recurring conflicts, it is also necessary to rethink our approach in dealing with the linkage between conflicts and post-conflict situations. As the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has been stressing, it is necessary, even before a conflict has been resolved, to consider providing not only humanitarian assistance but also assistance for the reconstruction of the society, giving people sufficient hope for a stable and prosperous future.”
1999-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3980 (1999) · source
“Let me now refer to some of the particularly important points which I believe should be highlighted. My first point relates to the importance of preserving traditional humanitarian norms of behaviour, together with full compliance with relevant international humanitarian and human rights instruments. Mr. Olara Otunnu acknowledged that every civilization is grounded upon certain humanitarian values, and that "there are norms that have germinated in the local soil, that speak to the protection of civilian populations, and especially of women, children and the elderly." (S/PV.3977, p.”
1999-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3980 (1999) · source
“Japan intends to contribute about 10 billion yen, around $80 million, in five years, starting from 1998, for mine action around the world. Japan has been playing an active role in collaborative efforts for the restriction of small arms and light weapons, and also for the early establishment of the International Criminal Court. The basic thinking behind this approach is the importance that Japan attaches to human security concerns. As Prime Minister Obuchi stated recently, human security should be ensured against menaces that threaten the survival, daily life and dignity of human beings. Thus, measures to protect civilians in conflict situations are important and integral elements of human security concerns. Japan is about to make a financial contribution to the United Nations to support activities in this area.”
1999-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3980 (1999) · source
“Indeed, there was a broad convergence of views on a number of measures to be taken: on strengthening enforcement of international humanitarian law; on policy measures against internally displaced persons and child soldiers; on restricting small arms and light weapons; effective measures on mine action; and on protection of humanitarian personnel. Some of the measures are already starting to be implemented, but much more needs to be done. Japan has been contributing actively and will continue to do so in many of these areas. To cite some examples, Japan was the second party to ratify the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, which finally came into force last month. Japan is a party to the Ottawa Convention and one of the most active partners in mine action.”
1999-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3980 (1999) · source