Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing Agenda item “Threats to International Peace and Security”
2023/5/30
(As delivered)
Thank you, Mr. President.
Allow me to begin my statement by expressing our sincere appreciation to Director General Grossi for his insightful briefing on the latest developments on the ground.
We reaffirm support for the “Seven Indispensable Pillars of Nuclear Safety and Nuclear Security" and highlight the importance of ensuring and promoting the safety and security of nuclear facilities under any circumstances.
Mr. President,
We once again express our gravest concern over Russia’s grossly irresponsible seizure and militarization of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). This poses a serious threat to the nuclear safety and security of not only Ukraine but also Europe and the entire world.
As the Director General said just now, the situation for the ZNPP and its Ukrainian operating staff remains dangerous and precarious, with the Seven Pillars outlined by the Director General being compromised constantly.
We condemn, in the strongest terms, Russia’s manifest violation of the UN Charter and its aggression against Ukraine, as well as Russia's continued control over the ZNPP. Japan strongly urges the Russian Federation to immediately withdraw its forces and personnel from the ZNPP.
We also condemn the signing by the defense ministers of Russia and Belarus of an agreement establishing procedures for the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which further increases the tension while Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine. Japan can never accept Russia’s nuclear threats, let alone its use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances. Other Member States should also refrain from supporting such actions either directly or indirectly.
Mr. President,
Japan reiterates its deep appreciation to Director General Grossi and the Secretariat, and continues to support their efforts to strengthen nuclear safety and security of, and the application of safeguards to, nuclear material and facilities in Ukraine. We salute the continuous presence of IAEA experts and their focus on ensuring nuclear safety and security at the site during this very difficult time.
In this regard, we also commend the ongoing work by Director General to protect the nuclear safety and security of the nuclear facilities.
In particular, the role of the ISAMZ (IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya) is essential for acquiring first-hand, objective, and impartial observation about the situation regarding the ZNPP. Japan has provided a financial contribution for the Secretariat to facilitate missions, including support for the procurement of special vehicles for the periodic rotation system of IAEA staff, bringing our total contribution for the IAEA’s activities to approximately 12 million euros.
Mr. President,
Japan continues to support DG Grossi’s efforts in a manner that respects Ukrainian sovereignty over its internationally recognized territory.
I thank you.
Allow me to begin my statement by expressing our sincere appreciation to Director General Grossi for his insightful briefing on the latest developments on the ground.
We reaffirm support for the “Seven Indispensable Pillars of Nuclear Safety and Nuclear Security" and highlight the importance of ensuring and promoting the safety and security of nuclear facilities under any circumstances.
Mr. President,
We once again express our gravest concern over Russia’s grossly irresponsible seizure and militarization of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). This poses a serious threat to the nuclear safety and security of not only Ukraine but also Europe and the entire world.
As the Director General said just now, the situation for the ZNPP and its Ukrainian operating staff remains dangerous and precarious, with the Seven Pillars outlined by the Director General being compromised constantly.
We condemn, in the strongest terms, Russia’s manifest violation of the UN Charter and its aggression against Ukraine, as well as Russia's continued control over the ZNPP. Japan strongly urges the Russian Federation to immediately withdraw its forces and personnel from the ZNPP.
We also condemn the signing by the defense ministers of Russia and Belarus of an agreement establishing procedures for the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which further increases the tension while Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine. Japan can never accept Russia’s nuclear threats, let alone its use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances. Other Member States should also refrain from supporting such actions either directly or indirectly.
Mr. President,
Japan reiterates its deep appreciation to Director General Grossi and the Secretariat, and continues to support their efforts to strengthen nuclear safety and security of, and the application of safeguards to, nuclear material and facilities in Ukraine. We salute the continuous presence of IAEA experts and their focus on ensuring nuclear safety and security at the site during this very difficult time.
In this regard, we also commend the ongoing work by Director General to protect the nuclear safety and security of the nuclear facilities.
In particular, the role of the ISAMZ (IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya) is essential for acquiring first-hand, objective, and impartial observation about the situation regarding the ZNPP. Japan has provided a financial contribution for the Secretariat to facilitate missions, including support for the procurement of special vehicles for the periodic rotation system of IAEA staff, bringing our total contribution for the IAEA’s activities to approximately 12 million euros.
Mr. President,
Japan continues to support DG Grossi’s efforts in a manner that respects Ukrainian sovereignty over its internationally recognized territory.
I thank you.