Statement by Mr. NAMAZU Hiroyuki, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, on Agenda Item 93: "Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency"

2020/11/11
(Check against delivery)
Madam/Mr. President,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to begin by expressing our highest respect to Director General Grossi for his strong leadership in guiding the Agency to exercise its full authority while combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Madam/Mr. President,

The peaceful uses of nuclear energy are an important cornerstone for global socio-economic growth and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Japan therefore continues to support the IAEA technically, financially and with its personnel through contributions to the Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) and cooperation projects.

In particular, Japan strongly supports the Director General’s new initiatives, including improvement of Member States’ capabilities to detect COVID-19.

The IAEA safeguards are the fundamental instrument for ensuring nuclear non-proliferation. Japan strongly supports the IAEA’s work to make these safeguards more efficient and effective.

Japan also welcomes the IAEA Secretariat’s efforts to continue its safeguard activities. The role of the IAEA is critically important in addressing key problems that the international non-proliferation regime faces.

Moreover, Japan will continue to advance nuclear security worldwide, in cooperation with the IAEA.

As no single nation can ensure global nuclear security, Japan stresses the important role of legal frameworks such as the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT). Japan continues to make efforts to promote the universalization of these conventions, including through contributions to the 2021 CPPNM Review Conference.

Madam/Mr. President,

I would like to take this opportunity to touch upon some of the most pressing issues facing the international non-proliferation regime today.

With regards to North Korea’s nuclear issue, Japan is deeply concerned about North Korea’s continued development of nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. Japan reaffirms its strong commitment to working with the international community in achieving complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all of North Korea’s nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges, as well as related programs and facilities in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs).

Japan also emphasizes the critical importance for all States to fully implement relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

As continued supporter of the JCPOA, Japan is deeply concerned by Iran’s continued measures that may undermine the JCPOA. Japan strongly urges Iran to comply with the JCPOA, and to immediately return to its commitment under the JCPOA. Japan calls upon Iran to fully cooperate with the IAEA in accordance with all its nuclear obligations.

Madam/Mr. President,

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the entry into force of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which serves as the cornerstone of the international regime for nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The postponement of the 10th NPT Review Conference, by no means, undermines the urgency of the issues regarding nuclear weapons. Japan continues to strive to achieve a meaningful outcome of the 10th Review Conference.

In closing, I would like to reiterate, on behalf of my government, Japan’s firm commitment to continue to provide its maximum support for the IAEA to further promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and strengthen the nuclear non-proliferation regime.

I thank you, Madam/Mr. President.