YouSaid · the spoken record

Umemoto

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101

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2013-04-17

most recent

2014-07-22

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16

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un-security-council

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1. “Challenges continue to exist, but the international community must remain united alongside Afghanistan in combating by all means the threats posed by any illegal armed groups.”

   2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source

2. “As a strong supporter of the protection and empowerment of women in Afghanistan in various fields, Japan expresses its serious concerns about the recent intimidation and targeted killings of female Afghan Government officials and public figures. We welcome the Security Council press statement (SC/ 11122) on the attack on the United States Consulate in Herat last Friday and I join my colleagues in condemning any acts of violence and expressing our determination to fight terrorism. The security transition is broadly on track and we must not let any terrorist act divert it from its path. As mentioned in the Secretary-General's report (S/2013/535), despite this difficult security environment, we have witnessed the increased competence and confidence of the Afghan National Security Forces in conducting most operations.”

   2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source

3. “While the international community is expected to provide Afghanistan with credibility and predictability in terms of its future assistance, the Afghan Government is strongly encouraged to further its own efforts to improve governance and implement faithfully its growth strategy. Japan will continue to be engaged in the follow-up process until the final goal of the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework is met by both Afghanistan and its international partners. Turning to the security situation, Japan condemns in the strongest terms the brutal terrorist attacks that have caused the tragic loss of innocent lives all over the country, including assaults against international aid agencies, as well as diplomatic facilities.”

   2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source

4. “I would like to stress once again Japan's continuous support for Afghan-led peace and stability. In order to ensure smooth and successful political and economic transitions, the timely implementation of the commitments in the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework is of paramount importance. The senior officials meeting in Kabul on 3 July provided us with a valuable opportunity to assess the status of commitments and refocus our efforts towards a stable and prosperous Afghanistan. Japan expects the Afghan Government to redouble its efforts, especially in the areas of anti-corruption, public finance, the rule of law and women's rights. As Japan has repeatedly expressed, the key is mutuality.”

   2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source

5. “While improvements have been made, the security situation continues to be of concern. In order to encourage the full participation of all eligible voters, security challenges must be properly addressed. Japan encourages the Government of Afghanistan to take appropriate risk-mitigation measures based on a realistic security assessment. Over the longer term, an Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process, backed by good-neighbourly relations, is the most important task for the legitimate Afghan Government. In that regard, Japan welcomes the recent summit meeting between Afghan President Karzai and Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif. It was encouraging to hear the positive messages from the Pakistani leader regarding his support for the ongoing peace process, which were followed by the release of additional Taliban members.”

   2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source

6. “In that regard, I wish to commend the Government and the people of Afghanistan for the tangible progress made towards the presidential and provincial elections to be held in 2014. Among the other concrete steps taken, the enactment of the two critical electoral legal frameworks has particular significance for conducting credible and inclusive elections. We also hope that the current intensive discussions among numerous political parties will create a good environment for the process towards a fair Afghan-led election, and look forward to seeing the outcome of the nomination process of candidates. I would like to express Japan's serious intention to join in the efforts of the international community to lend its support in this process through the ELECT II programme.”

   2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source

7. “At the outset, I thank Special Representative Jan Kubis for his informative briefing today. I would further like to express my highest respect to all the staff of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for their deep commitment and dedication to their challenging assignment. 1 also thank Ambassador Tanin for his participation and for his statement. Afghanistan has traveled a long and difficult path leading up to the current three significant transitions - political, economic and security. The smooth transfer of power in a peaceful and transparent manner is essential to a successful political transition, which will serve as a foundation for the other two transitions.”

   2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source

8. “Like Haiti, Japan is a country where natural disasters occur frequently; that is why Japan firmly intends to continue collaborating with Haiti.”

   2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source

9. “When the engineering unit left Haiti, Japan donated engineering equipment to the Haitian Government and contributed to human resources development in the country through the sharing of its expertise in the use of that equipment. Japan also currently supports strengthening the capacity of national authorities in the areas of debris management and the operation of engineering equipment. The Government of Japan will continue to provide support to Haiti as it restores or establishes basic social services, mainly in the fields of health, hygiene and education. As you are aware, Mr. President, the Great East Japan Earthquake struck our country in March 2011, about a year after the significant earthquake that hit Haiti.”

   2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source

10. “In addition to the earthquake in 2010, Hurricane Sandy last October brought significant damage to the country. Although the international community responded right after the hurricane, Haiti still needs to improve its basic infrastructure, including roads, electricity and potable water, as well as social services, including access to education and medicine. High unemployment also remains a big concern. To respond to those important needs, the Government of Japan has already disbursed more than $150 million, exceeding the $100 million pledged in the New York conference in 2010. Even after the withdrawal of its Ground Self-Defense Force's engineering unit, Japan intends to continue supporting and cooperating with Haiti.”

    2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source

11. “In that regard, Japan welcomes the MINUSTAH consolidation plan referred to in the previous report (S/2013/139)of the Secretary- General and the fact that the plan has been progressing in cooperation with the Government of Haiti. Haiti certainly continues to face many challenges. As the Secretary-General's report points out, continued delays in the implementation of long-overdue elections and strained relations between the executive and legislative branches of the Government risk thwarting progress in the stabilization process. Japan welcomes the fact that Haiti established its transitional Electoral Council in April, but more work will be needed for the Government to carry out its next elections in a peaceful and democratic manner. Basic infrastructure in the country remains fragile.”

    2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source

12. “The Government of Haiti established a transitional Electoral Council on 19 April and has been advancing President Martelly's Administration's "five Es" policy of employment, education, the environment, energy and the establishment of the rule of law. With regard to the recovery process, since the earthquake in 2010, more than 10 million cubic metres ofdebris, which amounts to almost 80 per cent of the total debris, has been removed. And the number of internally displaced persons has been reduced by 82 per cent, according to the Secretary-General's report. In recognition of that change on the ground, Japan withdrew its ground Self-Defence Force's engineering unit in Haiti last December. The number of personnel who have served in the Japanese contingent since 2010 totals approximately 2,200.”

    2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source

13. “First of all, I would like to express my appreciation to you, Mr. President, for presiding over this important debate. I would also like to congratulate Ms. Sandra Honore on assuming the post of Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), and I would like to thank her for her comprehensive briefing today as well as her significant contribution to the Mission. I also pay tribute to the men and women of MINUSTAH for the commitment and fortitude they have demonstrated under difficult circumstances. I welcome the Secretary-General's report on MINUSTAH issued on 19 August (S/2013/493). As the report mentions, we are very pleased to note that Haiti has made progress.”

    2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source

14. “In order to do so, we need to hear voices from the field where access is negotiated and humanitarian operations are launched, and discuss how norms and principles of civilian protection can be realistically met. We hope that the next report of the Secretary- General, which is due in November, will also address such fundamental issues concerning the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

15. “Furthermore, in paragraph 4 of resolution 1894 (2009), the Council reiterated "its willingness to respond to situations of armed conflict where civilians are being targeted or humanitarian assistance to civilians is being deliberately obstructed, including through the consideration of appropriate measures at the Security Council's disposal in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations". In reality, however, the protection of civilians in armed conflict is becoming increasingly difficult in inverse proportion to the development of those very same norms and mechanisms. We must not only build tools to enforce accountability, but also analyse fundamental factors by which humanitarian assistance in armed conflict becomes perceived as adversarial by parties to conflict.”

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

16. “In addition to direct attacks against them, humanitarian personnel also experience difficulties accessing people in need of assistance. In particular, the arbitrary denial ofhumanitarian access, as pointed out in the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2012/376), is a great concern. The denial or obstruction of rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access puts the lives of affected people at risk, and parties to conflict must bear in mind the consequences of such actions. Those issues are related to the question of how to ensure accountability among parties to conflict. The international community has established various mechanisms, including fact-finding commissions, international tribunals and the International Criminal Court in order to ensure accountability.”

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

17. “Given that today is World Humanitarian Day, I would like to focus on the humanitarian aspect of the issues highlighted in the concept note prepared by Argentina (S/2013/477, annex). Ten years ago today, the bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad claimed 22 precious lives. Today, the operational environment for humanitarian assistance has not improved; rather, on the contrary, it has become even more difficult. A large number of humanitarian personnel are working at grave personal risk. In addition to journalists, who were the focus of last month's open debate (see S/PV.6917), humanitarian and medical personnel are among the civilians to be protected in armed conflict. It is of grave concern that those personnel, who contribute to saving the lives of thousands of affected people, are facing increasing danger.”

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

18. “At the outset, let me express mysincerecongratulationstoArgentinaonitsassumption of the presidency of the Security Council, and thank Ambassador Susana Ruiz Cerutti for holding this debate on the very important occasion of World Humanitarian Day. I would also like to thank His Excellency Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon; Ms. Valerie Amos, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator; Ms. Navanethem Pillay, High Commissioner for Human Rights. and Mr. Philip Spoerri, Director for International Law and Cooperation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, for their respective briefings. Japan concurs and associates itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of Switzerland on behalf of the Group of Friends on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict.”

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

19. “We must all strive to create an appropriate environment that will bring about an early Syrian- led political transition. Japan hopes to see the Syrian National Coalition play a major role in advancing the political process under the leadership of its newly- elected President Ahmed Al-Jarba. Before concluding, I would like to briefly touch upon Egypt. Following the swearing in of the interim President Adly Mansour, an interim Government has been set up and begun working according to its political road map. Japan calls on all the relevant parties to desist from acts of violence and to exhibit maximum self- restraint and responsibility. At the same time, Japan hopes that Egypt will return to a democratically elected civilian Government as soon as possible through an inclusive process that respects human rights and the rule of law.”

    2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

20. “Japan has also been disbursing Â¥ 240 million in loans for the stabilization of Jordan. As part of cross-border assistance, Japan will provide assistance in health services and other areas to local residents, in cooperation with the assistance units of opposition groups and local non-governmental organizations. Humanitarian assistance, however, cannot be an end in itself. The political process needs to be engaged as a matter of urgency. In that respect, it is regrettable that recent military offensives by the Syrian army have made it even more difficult to convene the "Geneva II" conference. Japan condemns the Syrian authorities for not keeping their commitments and responsibilities to protect their own citizens, and calls upon all parties in Syria to immediately halt the violence and human rights abuses.”

    2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

21. “The briefings to the Council by United Nations humanitarian agencies last week (see S/PV.7000) were yet another occasion to hear appalling accounts of the tragic incidents taking place daily on the ground. Japan concurs with the Council's concern, expressed in a presidential statement (S/PRST/2013/9) adopted on 10 July, at the risk of the regionalization of the Syrian conflict, especially its growing impact on Lebanon's stability. Faced with this scourge of war, the entire international community urgently needs to address the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria. Japan remains committed to significantly contributing to such international efforts. Japan's support through international organizations and non-governmental organizations now totals $90 million.”

    2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

22. “Several companies have expressed interest in its flagship project, the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park. Japan looks forward to future investments coming from various countries and areas for that project. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to the Middle East peace process and to close cooperation with the United States, Arab countries, Europe and other partners. In that context, Japan will continue to actively promote its initiative of the conference on cooperation among East Asian countries for Palestinian development. With regard to Syria, Japan is deeply concerned about the serious and escalating situation there. Japan profoundly deplores the death of many thousands of people as a result of violence, which continues despite the Secretary-General's appeal to its cessation during Ramadan.”

    2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

23. “The entire international community should now mobilize the political and economic means at its disposal to help Israel and Palestine overcome their differences. At this critical juncture, Japanese Foreign Minister Kishida will visit Israel, Palestine and Jordan starting today. Through bilateral meetings with his counterparts, he will urge both parties to conduct frank and meaningful negotiations in order to make substantial progress, based on the agreement announced by Secretary of State Kerry. My Minister is also scheduled to chair a ministerial-level meeting with Israel, Palestine and Jordan to discuss the "corridor for peace and prosperity". That initiative, which Japan launched in 2006 with the aim of developing a sustainable Palestinian economy, has been making tangible progress.”

    2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

24. “At the outset, I would like to thank the United States Mission for its leadership in convening this open debate. I also express my appreciation to Mr. Robert Serry, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, for his briefing. Japan has long understood the aspiration of Palestinians to build an independent State and has supported the right of the Palestinian people to self- determination. Japan therefore endorses a two-State solution, under which Israel and a future independent Palestinian State would coexist, side by side, in peace and security. From that standpoint, Japan sincerely welcomes the announcement made by United States Secretary of State Kerry last week in Amman on an agreement that establishes a basis for resuming direct final-status negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.”

    2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

25. “It is our strong hope that the new leadership of Pakistan and the Afghan Government will further consolidate the mutual trust and respect necessary to eliminate tensions over the border areas and create further positive momentum for promoting the Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process. Finally, the peace and reconciliation process is the predominant task at hand in order to achieve security and political stability in Afghanistan. Japan welcomes the opening of Qatar office by the Taliban and expects it to result in the early start of reconciliation negotiations and a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The international community must remain united alongside Afghanistan until peace dividends are delivered to all Afghans.”

    2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source

26. “The full implementation of the Law on the Elimination of Violence against Women is another key Government commitment. We believe that all the road maps leading to a stable and prosperous future for Afghanistan can be realized only when accompanied by the constructive involvement of all regional actors, meeting both in multilateral and bilateral frameworks. In that regard, Japan welcomes the outcome of the ministerial meeting of the Istanbul process in Almaty in April. Japan, as a country supporting confidence-building measures on disaster management, is pleased to share its own experience in this area and to contribute to this regional initiative. Needless to say, Afghan-Pakistan dialogue and good-neighbourly relations are vital to the long-term stability of Afghanistan.”

    2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source

27. “Japan has already implemented $1.4 billion of assistance out of $3 billion pledged at the Tokyo Conference last July. We acknowledge the intense efforts made by the Afghan Government in preparing this first follow-up meeting. At the same time, some urgent issues that constitute the core of the Afghan Government's commitments remain to be addressed. A basic electoral architecture must be in place as soon as possible to guarantee fair and credible presidential and provincial elections in April 2014. Corruption continues to be a major concern that undermines the legitimacy of the State. If the international community is to uphold its commitment made under the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework, it is incumbent on the Afghan Government to move forward in a constructive manner, including by resolving the Kabul bank case fairly and rapidly.”

    2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source

28. “Despite the dire security climate, we have all witnessed the increased competence and confidence of the Afghan National Security Forces in responding to these incidents. We welcome the progress made by the Afghan authorities in taking the lead for security across the country, as well as the announcement of the final tranche of the security transition. Challenges in the field of security remain and are daunting, but we have no choice but to remain united and steadfast in our efforts. We cannot overemphasize the crucial importance of the meeting of senior officials to be held on 3 July, which will serve as a transparent instrument to help us realize our mutual commitments made at the Tokyo Conference in July 2012. The concept of mutuality is the key.”

    2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source

29. “I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Jan Kubis for his informative briefing. I also appreciate Ambassador Tanin's comprehensive statement. At the outset, I wish to express our deepest regret and condolences at the loss of many lives, both military and civilian, during the recent brutal attacks by anti-Government groups. We are also gravely shocked by the assault against the International Committee for the Red Cross which has sought to help Afghan for years. Japan condemns these terrorist attacks in the strongest possible terms and reaffirms its full determination to contribute to the Afghan Government and the international community's response in stopping this cycle of violence.”

    2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source

30. “As a way of nurturing the ties between the Member States and the 1540 Committee in order to tackle the challenge of WMD non-proliferation, the Permanent Mission of Japan will organize the fifth seminar on non-proliferation and disarmament in New York on 10 June, partnering with the Missions of Poland and Turkey. Japan will continue to cooperate positively in order to ensure that the three Committees can continuously and fully carry out their roles.”

    2013-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6964 (2013) · source

31. “Turning our attention to the work of the 1540 Committee itself, we welcome the strong emphasis placed by the Chair on outreach and partnership with relevant stakeholders. We commend the Chair's efforts to strengthen the Committee's work by the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the resolution next year. We support the focus placed by the four working groups under the Committee, and we understand that respective groups are making efforts to produce tangible outcomes. Japan strongly hopes that their activities will become more visible to all Member States, as they need to have a strong sense of ownership in advancing the objectives set forth in the resolution.”

    2013-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6964 (2013) · source

32. “Japan invited the 1540 Committee expert group to the regional initiatives it has taken, namely, the twentieth export control seminar of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, held from 26 to 28 February, and the ninth Asian senior-level talks on non-proliferation, held on 14 March. Such collaboration with the 1540 Committee has provided an important opportunity to participants in the region. They were able not only to exchange information on effective ways to implement relevant Security Council resolutions on WMD non-proliferation, but also to understand the recent trend in the illicit transfer of goods and technologies now emerging throughout the world. Japan will continue to actively support other Member States in their efforts.”

    2013-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6964 (2013) · source

33. “With respect to the United Nations counter- terrorism coordinator, Japan understands the need to establish that post in order to ensure consistency and integrity in the field of counter-terrorism at the United Nations. We should make every effort to pursue true effectiveness and efficiency in counter-terrorism measures at the United Nations through the creation of that position. Japan continues to attach great importance to preventing the proliferation of goods and technologies related to weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). We have been working closely with the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) to strengthen regional and global efforts to better regulate the export and border control of WMD -related materials.”

    2013-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6964 (2013) · source

34. “Japan will take active part in the international efforts to counter terrorism, not only in the framework of the United Nations but also through the Group of Eight and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum. We hope that the visit to Japan planned by the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), led by its Executive Director, will further deepen the existing cooperation between CTED and Japan. In order to ensure the legitimacy and credibility of United Nations counter-terrorism measures, unceasing efforts in that regard must be made by all three Committees. For example, it is important to keep updating the sanction lists to reflect the current status of individuals and entities. Japan will continue to work closely with the Ombudsperson and the Monitoring Team with that objective in mind.”

    2013-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6964 (2013) · source

35. “In that regard, Japan expects the three committees to coordinate and cooperate closely with Member States and conduct constructive discussions and effective and efficient activities on counter-terrorism measures. Ten Japanese citizens were killed by the attack in In Amenas. There is no excuse for violence against innocent people. We condemn such abject terrorism. In reaction to the incident, the Minister for Foreign Affairs ofJapan, Fumio Kishida, announced three areas of focus for our foreign policy. Japan will strengthen international counter-terrorism measures; support the stabilization of the regions of the Sahel, North Africa and the Middle East; and promote dialogue and exchanges with Islamic and Arab States. On the basis of that policy, we will take various measures.”

    2013-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6964 (2013) · source

36. “I would like to express my appreciation for the dedicated efforts of each of the Chairs of the Council's three counter-terrorism-related Committees in preparing their respective briefings. Through many measures taken by the relevant agencies, the fight against terrorism has made steady progress at the United Nations. However, it remains deeply troubling that terrorist attacks persist, some of which have taken place recently in areas such as South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel. The terrorist attack in In Amenas, Algeria, and the latest tragedy at the Boston marathon have shown us the necessity of increasing efforts to promote the fight against terrorism.”

    2013-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6964 (2013) · source

37. “Japan urges all parties in Syria to ensure rapid and unimpeded access for aid organizations to those in need, and to cooperate fully with the United Nations and relevant organizations to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The funding situation also needs to be improved. I would like to announce that Japan has already disbursed a total of about $65 million that it pledged at the high-level international humanitarian donor conference for Syria, held in Kuwait City in January. As a result, Japan's assistance has now totalled $80.5 million. We remain committed to significantly contributing to international efforts and encourage other donor countries to do so as well.”

    2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source

38. “In such circumstances, Japan will favourably consider Qatar's initiative to seek the avenue of the General Assembly to underscore the urgent necessity to stop violence and explore a political solution based on the Geneva communique (S/2012/523, annex). With regard to chemical weapons, Japan urges the Syrian authorities to refrain from using them or transferring them to non-State actors in any circumstances. Supporting the Secretary-General's investigation into all alleged use of the weapons, Japan also demands that full and unfettered access be granted to his investigation team by the Syrian authorities. Lastly, there is an urgent need to address the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria.”

    2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source

39. “Lakhdar Brahimi, Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States for Syria, and hopes that the Syrian National Coalition, widely acknowledged by the international community as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people, will consolidate its base to play a major role in advancing the process of a Syrian-led political transition. We regret to see that the Security Council has failed so far to take necessary action to bring about a political transition in Syria, despite its primary responsibility in maintaining international peace and security in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.”

    2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source

40. “As an active member of the Group of Friends of the Syrian People, Japan reiterates its call on all parties in Syria to immediately halt the violence and abuses of human rights, and condemns the Syrian authorities for not keeping their own commitments and responsibilities to protect their own citizens. It is hardly realistic to expect a smooth political transition with President Al-Assad remaining in power. At the same time, we need to deal with threats posed by extremists. From that standpoint, Japan supports the diplomatic efforts of Mr.”

    2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source

41. “We believe that synergetic effects can be generated with the new United States initiative that Secretary of State John Kerry recently announced on business expansion in the West Bank. Allow me now to touch upon the question of Syria. Japan is deeply concerned by the serious and deteriorating situation in Syria and profoundly deplores the death of many thousands of people as a result of the continued violence. The briefing to the Council by United Nations humanitarian organizations last week (S/PV.6949) was yet another occasion to listen to appalling accounts of the tragic incidents taking place on the ground there every day.”

    2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source

42. “We have also been addressing the needs ofsocially vulnerable communities in East Jerusalem, Area C, and Gaza by implementing various projects in fields such as job creation and the social participation of youth, child education, health services and hygiene. Japan has been promoting regional cooperation. Our initiative "Corridor for peace and prosperity" has been making steady progress since 2006. In addition, Japan launched a new cooperation framework among East Asian countries to assist Palestinian development by co-hosting, together with Palestine, the first Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development in February 2013 in Tokyo. As a follow-up, a meeting among participant countries' aid agencies and a business leaders' meeting are each scheduled to take place during the course of this year.”

    2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source

43. “Japan welcomes the renewed commitment by the United States to the peace process following President Obama's visit to the region in March 2013. At this critical juncture, we need to engage with key stakeholders in Arab and other regions in a more effective manner. In that context, Japan renews its commitment to making an active contribution - in cooperation with the United States, Arab countries, the Quartet and other partners - to that end. Japan has been committed to assisting Palestinian State-building efforts since the Oslo accords. During the past fiscal year, Japan provided assistance in the amount of approximately $85 million, including budget support for the Palestinian Authority and contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.”

    2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source

44. “In that regard, Japan appreciates Israel's resumption of the transfers in March. With respect to the issue of Palestinian prisoners, Japan worries that that issue could worsen Palestinian sentiment and thus negatively affect the peace process. We hope to see the new Israeli Administration create conditions for a resumption of meaningful negotiations. As for the situation in Gaza, Japan is concerned by the sporadic rocket fire into Israel that occurred recently, despite the ceasefire brokered by Egypt in November 2012. We urge all parties concerned to respect the ceasefire with a view to realizing a durable calm in Gaza. The entire international community should mobilize the political and economic means at its disposal to help Israel and Palestine overcome their differences and realize substantial progress this year.”

    2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source

45. “Japan once again calls upon Palestine to immediately resume direct negotiations with Israel and not to use its non-member Observer State status, granted in accordance with the General Assembly resolution, to act in a way that might negatively affect or hinder direct negotiations with Israel. We ask for prudence with respect to its conduct, such as applying for membership in international organizations, an action that might negatively affect prospects for the resumption of negotiations. Israel, for its part, should freeze its settlement activities in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The transfer of tax revenues, which Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, is a necessary task that Israel should conduct for the fiscal stability of the Palestinian Authority.”

    2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source

46. “At the outset, I would like to thank Ambassador Eugene-Richard Gasana, Permanent Representative of Rwanda, for his leadership in convening this open debate. I would also like to express appreciation to Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, Under-Secretary- General for Political Affairs, for his briefing. Japan has long understood the Palestinians' aspiration to build an independent State and has supported the right of the Palestinian people to self- determination. Japan thus endorses a two-State solution, under which Israel and a future independent Palestinian State would coexist, side by side, in peace and security. In the light of that position, Japan voted in favour of General Assembly resolution 67/19 regarding the status of Palestine at the United Nations in November 2012.”

    2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source

47. “Before concluding, I am very pleased to announce that Japan has begun to develop a national action plan based on resolution 1325 (2000). We are hard at work on the plan, which includes our commitment to further strengthening our efforts to help protect women's rights in humanitarian settings. We are in close consultation with United Nations organizations such as UN-Women, and hope to complete the plan as soon as possible.”

    2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source

48. “In that regard, Japan has, for instance, been supporting Afghanistan's Ministry of Women's Affairs in implementing its law on the elimination of violence against women. As was pointed out in the Secretary- General's report, addressing sexual violence in the context of security sector reform processes is of key importance. Over the past five years, Japan has provided $900 million to help support the Afghanistan National Police, part of which has been used for employing and training female police officers. So far, more than 1,400 female police officers have been hired. And in Africa, for example, Japan has been supporting capacity-building and training for Somalia's security officers in the areas of sexual and gender-based violence and the abuse and exploitation of children.”

    2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source

49. “Japan condemns attacks on women's human rights defenders and emphasizes that Member States should take steps to ensure the protection of such defenders. We also recognize the importance of multisectoral services for victims of sexual violence. In that regard, our recent contribution addresses various needs of Victims, including, for example, the establishment of relief and recovery systems for legal support and mental-health care in camps for refugees and internally displaced persons. Japan strongly supports the idea of shifting the stigma attached to crimes of sexual violence off the victims and onto the perpetrators. We also support efforts to comprehensively address cultures of impunity.”

    2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source

50. “Greater coordination is vital to improving global efforts to meet this challenge. I would like to touch on Japan's primary policy. Conflict-related sexual violence should be tackled by the international community as a whole. Japan places great emphasis on this issue. As our Foreign Minister stated in a recent speech on foreign policy, Japan will continue to address this issue, and will participate actively in international initiatives on human rights issues, including the protection of women's rights. Last month, Japan announced a new contribution of $4.5 million for programmes aimed at preventing sexual violence and supporting victims in countries such as Libya, Somalia, the Central African Republic and Mali.”

    2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source