Statement by Mr. SATO Hiroshi, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the meeting of the AHWG under UN80

Mme. and Mr. Co-chairs,
 
We congratulate Jamaica and Norway on assuming the Co-Chairship. Japan continues to support both Co-Chairs and looks forward to achieving concrete results in this Ad-hoc Working Group.
 
The General Assembly resolution 80/251, adopted by near full consensus in March, is a historic resolution. We especially welcome the agreement on the inclusion of review clauses　and retirement clauses in new mandates, as well as the review of the existing mandates. To accomplish the task of this Working Group, in accordance with the resolution, support from the Secretariat is essential.
 
We welcome the proposals from the Co-Chairs regarding the templates for concept notes and draft resolutions, as well as the models for review clauses and retirement clauses. Japan has already submitted written comments on the following points.

First, we commend the overall draft presented by the Co-Chairs. We especially welcome the inclusion of review and retirement clauses in both Template A (draft resolution) and Template B (draft decision).
 
Second, as for Template A (draft resolution), to maintain the significance and momentum of this resolution, we propose to recall this resolution in the preamble.
 
Third, templates C (implementation review clauses) and D (retirement clauses) are elements have long been a priority for Japan. However, the first and third options in Template C only request a review of implementation status. We therefore propose to include a review that enables us to determine whether the mandate should be renewed or consolidated.
 
We further have some technical requests and questions. Regarding each of the draft Templates (A to D), we would appreciate it if the Co-Chairs and Secretariat could share the precedents that informed their drafting. We would also appreciate clarification on how to distinguish between the uses of Template A and B.
 
Finally, we would like to seek clarification on the decision-making methods and procedures for Templates A through E, specifically regarding their adoption by this Working Group.
 
We are determined to constructively participate in collective efforts, including discussions in this Working Group, which has just commenced.
 
I thank you.