Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on “the Political Situation in Syria”
2023/8/23
(As delivered)
Madam President,
I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Ms. Al-Kanawati (Deputy Director of Women Now for Development) for their informative briefings.
The Syrian people have dealt with over 12 years of bloodshed compounded with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. Japan is grateful to the Special Envoy and his team for their relentless efforts to engage with all relevant stakeholders in and outside of Syria through active dialogue and diplomacy.
It is critical for the Council to continue supporting a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned and UN-facilitated political process in line with the Security Council resolution 2254.
However, as clearly stated by the Special Envoy, it is deeply regrettable that the intra-Syrian political track remains stalled, including the Constitutional Committee. As political track, economic situations, and humanitarian situations are closely intertwine, the situation in Syria, without the progress of political process even incremental, can become or continue to be freefall as described by the Special Envoy. All of us around the table need to keep this in mind. We acknowledge that regional engagement has been intensifying, including the so-called “Arab Contact Group” which is seeking to find a path for a comprehensive resolution of the Syrian crisis.
In this regard, Japan takes note of the Contact Group’s recent proposal to hold the next round of the Constitutional Committee in Oman by the end of this year. We believe that the selection of the venue should be closely coordinated with the Special Envoy and all relevant Syrian stakeholders.
It is high time for all Committee participants to put their broader political disagreements aside and seriously consider a more substantive approach that includes all relevant stakeholders, including Syrian women. Meaningful political progress is also key to regional stability. National reconciliation should be in everybody’s interest after decades of conflict with unnecessary sacrifices of innocent people.
Madam President,
The security situation in Syria remains deeply alarming. The persistence of terrorist attacks, airstrikes, drone strikes, and other violent clashes only fuels tensions and pushes the Syrian people further away from peace and stability. We must ask ourselves how we could possibly guarantee the safe, dignified and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their native land if Syria remains an active war zone. Additionally, concerns persist about their fate upon returning to their homes. These conditions are simply not in place right now.
In this regard, a nationwide ceasefire and reconciliation remain essential components of a political process, but until then, civilians will continue to bear the brunt of this war and require urgent protection.
Finally, to address the dire economic and humanitarian situations, there is no option but an inclusive and comprehensive political solution, which will end the suffering of the Syrian people. Japan, as a responsible member of the Security Council and a major donor to the Syrian crisis, will spare no effort in working towards that end.
I thank you.
I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Ms. Al-Kanawati (Deputy Director of Women Now for Development) for their informative briefings.
The Syrian people have dealt with over 12 years of bloodshed compounded with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. Japan is grateful to the Special Envoy and his team for their relentless efforts to engage with all relevant stakeholders in and outside of Syria through active dialogue and diplomacy.
It is critical for the Council to continue supporting a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned and UN-facilitated political process in line with the Security Council resolution 2254.
However, as clearly stated by the Special Envoy, it is deeply regrettable that the intra-Syrian political track remains stalled, including the Constitutional Committee. As political track, economic situations, and humanitarian situations are closely intertwine, the situation in Syria, without the progress of political process even incremental, can become or continue to be freefall as described by the Special Envoy. All of us around the table need to keep this in mind. We acknowledge that regional engagement has been intensifying, including the so-called “Arab Contact Group” which is seeking to find a path for a comprehensive resolution of the Syrian crisis.
In this regard, Japan takes note of the Contact Group’s recent proposal to hold the next round of the Constitutional Committee in Oman by the end of this year. We believe that the selection of the venue should be closely coordinated with the Special Envoy and all relevant Syrian stakeholders.
It is high time for all Committee participants to put their broader political disagreements aside and seriously consider a more substantive approach that includes all relevant stakeholders, including Syrian women. Meaningful political progress is also key to regional stability. National reconciliation should be in everybody’s interest after decades of conflict with unnecessary sacrifices of innocent people.
Madam President,
The security situation in Syria remains deeply alarming. The persistence of terrorist attacks, airstrikes, drone strikes, and other violent clashes only fuels tensions and pushes the Syrian people further away from peace and stability. We must ask ourselves how we could possibly guarantee the safe, dignified and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their native land if Syria remains an active war zone. Additionally, concerns persist about their fate upon returning to their homes. These conditions are simply not in place right now.
In this regard, a nationwide ceasefire and reconciliation remain essential components of a political process, but until then, civilians will continue to bear the brunt of this war and require urgent protection.
Finally, to address the dire economic and humanitarian situations, there is no option but an inclusive and comprehensive political solution, which will end the suffering of the Syrian people. Japan, as a responsible member of the Security Council and a major donor to the Syrian crisis, will spare no effort in working towards that end.
I thank you.