Statement by H.E. Ambassador UMETSU Shigeru, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the “High-level Plenary Meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day against Nuclear Tests”

Mr. President,
 
Thank you for your initiative in organizing this plenary meeting.
 
Japan aligns itself with the statement delivered by Germany on behalf of the Friends of the CTBT. Let me also deliver a statement in our national capacity.
 
This International Day against Nuclear Tests serves as a solemn reminder of the urgency to renounce nuclear tests across the globe and to take concrete and tangible measures toward a world without nuclear weapons. Our aspiration for that shared goal is stronger than ever, especially as we recently marked 80 years since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki last month.
 
Today, the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime faces unprecedented challenges. In the Pact for the Future, our leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to eliminate nuclear weapons, and we must make every effort to bring that vision into reality.
 
In this context, the early entry into force of the CTBT remains a priority for Japan. We urge all States, particularly the remaining States listed in Annex 2, to sign and ratify the Treaty without further delay. Until that time, we urge all relevant States to declare or maintain existing moratoriums on nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosions. 
 
Mr. President,
 
We cannot overstate the vital role of the CTBTO’s International Monitoring System (IMS), including 10 monitoring sites in Japan, which serves as an effective deterrence against nuclear testing. Its global network has the capacity to detect suspected nuclear explosions worldwide. Japan has long supported this system by providing capacity building assistance to developing countries every year for the past 30 years.
 
We also commend the steadfast leadership by Executive Secretary Dr. Robert Floyd, including his efforts to maintain and strengthen the IMS and promote the universalization of the CTBT.
 
Mr. President,
 
Japan expresses its serious concern over the advancement of North Korea’s nuclear and missile development, and reaffirms its resolute commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. We urge North Korea not to conduct any destabilizing or provocative actions, including a nuclear test. Japan also urges North Korea to comply with its obligations under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, to return to full compliance with the NPT and to sign and ratify the CTBT at the earliest possible date.
 
Mr. President,
 
Let us build on the momentum created by our meeting today. The upcoming Conference on Facilitating Entry into Force of the CTBT, scheduled for September 26th, presents another opportunity to further advance the universalization of the Treaty.
 
Japan will continue its contribution to constructive discussions, including at this Conference, in pursuit of a world without nuclear weapons and testing.

I thank you.