Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing, Agenda item “Threats to International Peace and Security”
2023/8/24
(As delivered)
Madame President,
I thank USG DiCarlo for her briefing, and thank Ms. Kateryna Rashevska for her detailed statement, and I look forward to having the remarks in written version by Mr. Mykola Kuleba.
We join all others in the world in congratulating all Ukrainians on the thirty-second anniversary of their independence. Ukraine has exercised its right to self-defense against Russia's armed attack for one and a half years. This right is enshrined in international law, including the UN Charter, and is exercised for the sake of Ukraine’s independence, freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russian colleague referred to the recruitment by Ukrainian “to defeat Russia” but I think it is “to defend Ukraine.”
I would like to take a moment here to reflect on what Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has brought about. There are countless civilian casualties, including children, and their families are deeply saddened.
As Briefers gave us detailed input today, families are being torn apart by unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainians including children.
Countless critical civilian infrastructure including power plants and dams have been destroyed. Europe's largest nuclear power plant is illegally occupied, posing a risk of nuclear disaster. Many UNESCO World Heritage Sites have been damaged.
Ukraine's grain exports have been hampered, grain prices have risen, and vulnerable populations have lost access to food. The world is being held hostage. The damage is too great to list here.
Madame President,
There are some results that international community achieved. We reaffirmed our commitment to the international order based on the rule of law. We strengthened our solidality based on common principle. Solidarity, not only among so-called Western countries; solidarity that goes far beyond. No matter how much Russia tries to mislead the world, we are united in our voice that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is nothing but a flagrant violation of the UN Charter.
Russia expounds all sorts of justifications, but everyone understands that these are meaningless before the truth.
As Ukrainians celebrate their independence today, they need the assurance of peace. Recently, a conference on peace for Ukraine was held in Saudi Arabia, with the participation of more than 40 countries, including Japan. We continue to seek a just and lasting peace for Ukraine together.
Madame President,
We reiterate that Japan will continue to support Ukraine and that our commitment is unwavering. Russia should immediately withdraw all its troops and military equipment from Ukraine. Russia must respect Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
I thank you.
I thank USG DiCarlo for her briefing, and thank Ms. Kateryna Rashevska for her detailed statement, and I look forward to having the remarks in written version by Mr. Mykola Kuleba.
We join all others in the world in congratulating all Ukrainians on the thirty-second anniversary of their independence. Ukraine has exercised its right to self-defense against Russia's armed attack for one and a half years. This right is enshrined in international law, including the UN Charter, and is exercised for the sake of Ukraine’s independence, freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russian colleague referred to the recruitment by Ukrainian “to defeat Russia” but I think it is “to defend Ukraine.”
I would like to take a moment here to reflect on what Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has brought about. There are countless civilian casualties, including children, and their families are deeply saddened.
As Briefers gave us detailed input today, families are being torn apart by unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainians including children.
Countless critical civilian infrastructure including power plants and dams have been destroyed. Europe's largest nuclear power plant is illegally occupied, posing a risk of nuclear disaster. Many UNESCO World Heritage Sites have been damaged.
Ukraine's grain exports have been hampered, grain prices have risen, and vulnerable populations have lost access to food. The world is being held hostage. The damage is too great to list here.
Madame President,
There are some results that international community achieved. We reaffirmed our commitment to the international order based on the rule of law. We strengthened our solidality based on common principle. Solidarity, not only among so-called Western countries; solidarity that goes far beyond. No matter how much Russia tries to mislead the world, we are united in our voice that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is nothing but a flagrant violation of the UN Charter.
Russia expounds all sorts of justifications, but everyone understands that these are meaningless before the truth.
As Ukrainians celebrate their independence today, they need the assurance of peace. Recently, a conference on peace for Ukraine was held in Saudi Arabia, with the participation of more than 40 countries, including Japan. We continue to seek a just and lasting peace for Ukraine together.
Madame President,
We reiterate that Japan will continue to support Ukraine and that our commitment is unwavering. Russia should immediately withdraw all its troops and military equipment from Ukraine. Russia must respect Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
I thank you.