Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing, Agenda item "Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine and Threats to International Peace and Security"
2023/6/6
(As delivered)
Thank you, Mr. President.
I also thank the USG Martin Griffiths for his briefing.
We are seeing an ongoing catastrophe at the Kahovka Hydroelectric Power Plant. According to the United Nations, it has already caused at least 16,000 people to lose their homes, with safe and clean drinking water supplies at risk for many more.
The effects will likely be long-lasting, We express our deepest sympathies to all those affected by this catastrophe for their loss and suffering.
We take note that the IAEA assesses that there is no immediate risk to the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Nevertheless, it is particularly regrettable that this incident occurred just after we had held a discussion in this chamber on nuclear safety in Ukraine last week.
Mr. President,
We are seriously concerned about what is described in the letter from Ukraine today to the President of the Security Council as the process of assessing the situation on the ground continues. What is clear is that this would not have happened if Russia had not launched its aggression against Ukraine in the first place. We echo the statement of the UN Secretary-General today that this is another devastating consequence of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
We once again urge Russia to stop its ongoing aggression and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops and military equipment from the entire internationally recognized territory of Ukraine. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, in particular the United Nations Charter.
There must be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities, including attacks against civilians and critical civil infrastructure.
Mr. President,
Our support for Ukraine will not waver. We are renewing our commitment to provide the financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support Ukraine requires for as long as it takes.
I thank you.
I also thank the USG Martin Griffiths for his briefing.
We are seeing an ongoing catastrophe at the Kahovka Hydroelectric Power Plant. According to the United Nations, it has already caused at least 16,000 people to lose their homes, with safe and clean drinking water supplies at risk for many more.
The effects will likely be long-lasting, We express our deepest sympathies to all those affected by this catastrophe for their loss and suffering.
We take note that the IAEA assesses that there is no immediate risk to the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Nevertheless, it is particularly regrettable that this incident occurred just after we had held a discussion in this chamber on nuclear safety in Ukraine last week.
Mr. President,
We are seriously concerned about what is described in the letter from Ukraine today to the President of the Security Council as the process of assessing the situation on the ground continues. What is clear is that this would not have happened if Russia had not launched its aggression against Ukraine in the first place. We echo the statement of the UN Secretary-General today that this is another devastating consequence of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
We once again urge Russia to stop its ongoing aggression and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops and military equipment from the entire internationally recognized territory of Ukraine. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, in particular the United Nations Charter.
There must be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities, including attacks against civilians and critical civil infrastructure.
Mr. President,
Our support for Ukraine will not waver. We are renewing our commitment to provide the financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support Ukraine requires for as long as it takes.
I thank you.