Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations General Assembly Plenary Meeting on “Protracted conflicts in the GUAM area and their implications for international peace, security and development”

 
Thank you, Mr. President.

Let me begin by expressing our gratitude to Georgia for leading this draft resolution on the status of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees from and within Georgia.　

Japan is its proud co-sponsor.

The protection of IDPs and refugees is an urgent issue, but regrettably, the heart wrenching situation in Georgia is far from over. This draft resolution embodies our solidarity with civilians who are the most affected by the military operations by its neighboring country, Russia.

Georgians have continued to suffer from long-term forced displacement following Russia’s military operations in 2008. 　

As we are witnessing in Ukraine today, Russia’s policy regarding its neighboring countries has continued down this horrible path.

Japan has consistently supported a peaceful settlement based on the principle of Georgia's territorial integrity.

We once again reiterate Japan’s unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia as well as the other GUAM countries: namely, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova.

Japan opposes any attempt to change the internationally recognized borders of Georgia. We have not recognized the statehood of regions within Georgia that have declared so-called "independence."

Any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force is unacceptable and must not occur in any corner of the globe. Japan emphasizes our ironclad commitment to international law, including the UN Charter.
 
Mr. President,

We continue to stand with the Georgian people, and support their aspirations for a safe and dignified life and a future within the EU.

I thank you.