Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Meeting on “Non-proliferation/Democratic People's Republic of Korea”

 
Thank you, Mr. President.
 
Thank you for convening this critical meeting jointly called for by our like-minded Council members as well as upon our request, and giving us this opportunity to make remarks on this important agenda. It has been only 9 days since I delivered the last statement as a Council member. As I promised back then, Japan will continue to contribute to the Security Council’s deliberations in whatever capacity. I also thank ASG Khiari for the briefing.
 
I must begin by strongly condemning another launch of a solid-fuel propelled intermediate-range ballistic missile by North Korea in violation of multiple Security Council resolutions.
 
This is not merely a regional issue, but it is fundamentally related to global non-proliferation, about which we should all be united.
 
The Security Council used to be united and able to speak in one voice, unanimously adopting 11 resolutions since 2006, which among other things require all Member States to prevent missile and missiles-related items, and technology from being transferred to the DPRK.
 
It was this Council that acted under its special responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The Council, however, is no longer unified on this file.
 
In May 2022, a Security Council draft resolution, which would have condemned an ICBM launch by the DPRK, was vetoed. Since then, the Council fails to show its resolute stance against the repeated provocations by the DPRK.
 
Not to mention that the Panel of Experts of the 1718 Committee was forced to terminate its mandate due to the veto by Russia with its clear intention to veil its unlawful military cooperation with North Korea.
 
This is a regrettable and totally unacceptable situation where the Security Council has been paralyzed in addressing this grave threat to international peace and security.
 
Mr. President,
 
Let me take this opportunity to stress our concern over the relevance of the Security Council;

• The DPRK has launched more than 100 ballistic missiles since 2022 to date.
• Russia is continuously attacking Ukraine by using weapons supplied by the DPRK, as well as by engaging DPRK troops in combat against Ukraine.

All these acts represent a reckless disregard for the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and the decisions taken by the Security Council, and Russia, which should be a responsible permanent member of the Council, does not hesitate to breach the resolutions which Russia itself agreed to. This situation should not be a “new normal” and no excuse can justify these violations.
 
We have been hearing arguments for the easing or lifting of sanctions, but violators of the resolutions should not be rewarded in such a way. We do not see any rationale or justice for North Korea to need to equip with ballistic missiles, including ICBM, developing nuclear weapons, and dispatching their troops over 10,000 kilometers over the Eurasian continent to engage in the war for self-defense. Our silence would only send the wrong message – not just to Pyongyang, but to the entire world, including potential proliferators. The international community should be aware of the systemic danger of this irresponsible loosening-up sanction approach.
 
Mr. President,
 
Japan stepped out from the Security Council just about a week ago, but it is still our strong hope that the Council will take action in response to this unprecedented phenomenon and challenge to the legitimacy and the relevance of the Council.
 
Japan will spare no effort to support and engage in the work of the Council, as we believe that the Council is at the forefront of protecting the global non-proliferation regime. Not a single Member State should despair and refrain from raising its voice in the face of this serious challenge to the values and the order of the UN system, which marks its 80^th commemoration this year.
 
Let me also point out that North Korea has continued to build up its military capability, including nuclear and ballistic missiles development, at the sacrifice of the welfare of people in North Korea. The severe humanitarian situation in North Korea is not deriving from the sanctions but rather from its reckless military expense, reportedly amounting to more than 25 % of its GDP.
 
I would like to conclude by once again strongly urging DPRK not to conduct further launches, and to immediately and fully comply with all relevant Security Council resolutions, as well as to engage in diplomacy and accept the repeated offers of dialogue.   
 
I thank you, Mr. President.