「不拡散／北朝鮮」に関する安保理採決会合における決議案否決後の石兼大使ステートメント

   
Thank you, Madame President.
 
Japan deeply regrets – deeply regrets – the result of the voting. 
 
I carefully listened to the explanations of vote by both Council members who voted against.  Still, the reasons behind the objection to the draft resolution remain totally unconvincing. 
 
In December 2017 when Japan presided over this Council, it unanimously adopted resolution 2397, which stipulates that further restrictions on oil will be imposed in the event of a North Korean ICBM launch.  All permanent members of the Council agreed to this stipulation at that time.  It is deeply regrettable that this agreement has not been respected by some of these members this time.  Such inconsistent behavior seriously undermines the credibility of the Council. 
 
North Korea continues its destabilizing nuclear and missile activities, including repeated ICBM launches in violation of numerous Council resolutions.  These actions gravely threaten the peace and security of the region and beyond.  Yet, we have seen no Council resolution.  We cannot help but ask: What is the veto for?  What is the Security Council for?
 
Madame President,
 
Yesterday (local time), again, North Korea launched ballistic missiles, including an ICBM-class ballistic missile.  Japan strongly condemns North Korea’s continued provocative acts and believes that this further reinforces the need for the Council to adopt a new sanctions resolution. 
 
The draft resolution put forward by the United States was indeed a well-considered one.  While it updated and strengthened sanctions, including in key areas such as oil and the cyber domain, it also incorporated humanitarian perspectives and duly reflected the situation of the ongoing pandemic in North Korea.  Japan would like to pay deep respect to the tireless efforts by the United States and other Council members who have patiently engaged in serious consultations to bring this balanced draft to the table. 
 
The draft resolution also expressed deep concern at the grave hardship that the people in North Korea are subjected to, and in this context, we urge North Korea to take concrete measures towards the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.
 
Madame President,
 
Given the state of affairs in the Council today, in concluding, let me make clear three points. 
 
First, existing Security Council resolutions continue to be in effect.  Today’s veto does not discount the need for their strict implementation and Japan urges all Member States to fulfill their obligations.  Japan also expects that the 1718 Committee will continue to be fully functional. 
 
Second, the Security Council needs to continue to explore ways to address the ever-growing threat of North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities. The most appropriate way to address this serious challenge to the maintenance of international peace and security remains the adoption of a new resolution by a strong and unified Council. 
 
Third, at the formal meeting of the General Assembly to be held in 10 working days following the exercise of today’s veto, Japan hopes to see all Member States raise their voices against the illegal and destabilizing activities by North Korea and the nonfulfillment of the responsibilities of the Security Council due to the exercise of veto despite the repeated violations of Security Council resolutions by North Korea. 
 
I thank you.