「核兵器の完全廃絶に向けた国際の日」に関するハイレベル総会会合における石兼大使ステートメント
令和3年9月28日
(As delivered)
Mr. President,I would like to express my appreciation to you for convening this high-level meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
It was 76 years ago that atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, taking more than two hundred thousand precious lives in the blink of an eye and reducing these cities to ashes in an instant. Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never be repeated. The international community must be united before the shared goal of realizing a world free of nuclear weapons. And we can unite when we remember the reality of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Mr. President,
76 years on, we still face a daunting task. The international security environment has become more challenging. Countries have divergent views and various approaches on how to advance towards the realization of a world free of nuclear weapons.
It is not only timely that we are gathered here today to renew our resolve and make further efforts. Japan will endeavour to bridge the gaps among countries with different positions and contribute to the realization of a world free from nuclear weapons.
In this regard, I would like to reaffirm the importance of upholding and strengthening the regime of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). It serves as the cornerstone of the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. Japan stands ready to contribute to realizing a meaningful outcome at the upcoming Review Conference.
Mr. President,
One of the most acute non-proliferation challenges today remains the situation in North Korea. Just 2 weeks ago, North Korea launched ballistic missiles into the EEZ of Japan in the Sea of Japan in clear violation of Security Council resolutions. Furthermore, just yesterday, North Korea launched a possible ballistic missile. Japan is deeply concerned about North Korea’s continued development of nuclear and missile capabilities including developments highlighted by the IAEA Director General’s Report in August. We must adhere to the goal of achieving complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all of North Korea’s nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, ballistic missiles of all ranges as well as related programs and facilities in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions. We call on all Member States to fully implement these resolutions.
Japan, as the only country to have experienced the horror of nuclear devastation in war, understands the humanitarian consequences of the use of nuclear weapons. This year, the average age of the hibakusha, atomic bomb survivors, exceeded 83 years. I would like to extend my respect to the hibakusha for their longstanding efforts. As they advance in age, it becomes increasingly vital for us to communicate far and wide the realities of the atomic bombings, across generations and beyond national borders.
Let me conclude by reiterating Japan’s firm commitment to achieving a world free of nuclear weapons, and our firm commitment to nuclear safety, abided by international regulations with full transparency.
Thank you.