Explanation of Vote (After the Vote) by H.E. Ambassador MIKANAGI Tomohiro, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Adoption of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)

 

Thank you, Madam President.

Japan commends the United Kingdom as the penholder for their efforts to lead us to this unanimous adoption of the resolution extending the mandate of UNSMIL for another three months with an automatic extension for an additional nine months, provided a Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya has been appointed by then. Japan also welcomes the Council members’ constructive engagement to find the best way to empower the Mission.

Japan voted in favour of the draft resolution given the crucial role that UNSMIL continues to play in supporting and facilitating the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned inclusive political process which will renew the legitimacy of Libyan institutions and pave the way to peace and stability in Libya and the region.
 
Against this backdrop, Japan, as well as the vast majority of the Council members, clearly supported a twelve-month renewal of the mandate during our negotiation to allow the mission to fully and smoothly carry out its mandate at this critical juncture for Libya. Therefore, Japan regrets that the resolution adopted just now extends the mandate only for three months, which could have a negative impact on the work done by the Mission on the ground even though it comes with a conditional automatic renewal. Japan stresses the urgent need for the Council members to be united in further empowering the Mission.

Madam President,

I would like to seize this opportunity to reaffirm Japan’s full support to the Mission. Japan calls on Libyan stakeholders as well as other Member States to join us in supporting the Mission’s work, through which Libya can successfully complete its political transition.

To conclude, I reaffirm my country’s steadfast commitment to the Libyan people. As a responsible Member State, Japan is willing to contribute to the United Nations’ efforts to support Libya even after the completion of our current term on the Security Council.

I thank you.