パレスチナを含む中東情勢に関する安保理公開討論における石兼大使ステートメント
令和3年10月19日
Mr. President,
First and foremost, I would like to reaffirm Japan's commitment to supporting a two-state solution based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi visited Palestine and Israel this August to demonstrate our unwavering commitment even under the persisting COVID-19 crisis. In the meetings with his counterparts, he urged both sides to take concrete measures to ease tensions and restore trust, while stressing the importance of improving the situation through peaceful means.
Tensions in Gaza have decreased since the ceasefire was declared. Humanitarian and reconstruction efforts are ongoing with logistical and financial support from neighboring countries and donors. Although humanitarian needs remain to be met in Gaza, Japan appreciates the fact that the ceasefire has been sustained and that there have been positive developments, such as the smoother delivery of humanitarian goods and movement of people. Efforts by Egypt and others to facilitate talks between Palestine and Israel, and between parties in Palestine, as well as recent high-level contacts between Israeli and Palestinian officials, are all encouraging.
On the other hand, the situation on the ground remains worrisome. Settlement activities, destruction of homes and expulsions of Palestinians by Israeli authorities in the West Bank as well as acts of violence at demonstrations continue. These acts jeopardize the efforts to build trust among the parties and could lead to re-escalation. Japan calls upon all parties to halt any activities that would hinder progress towards the realization of a two-state solution, and reiterates that the solution cannot be achieved through violence but only through negotiations and mutual trust.
Mr. President,
Japan is committed to continue supporting the people of Palestine so long as humanitarian and socio-economic challenges remain in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. Japan has extended grant aid of 23 million US dollars to Palestine since June and 40.9 million US dollars to UNRWA this year. Japan appreciates the US for its full reengagement and support for Palestine including its hefty financial contribution to UNRWA. Taking this opportunity, Japan reiterates its support for UNRWA's work on ground, including its generations-long efforts in the education sector. Japan encourages the international community, particularly those countries in the region, to provide funding for the Agency.
Furthermore, Japan has been taking the lead in two important initiatives: the "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity" and the "Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD)” with the aim of supporting (1) political dialogue among the parties concerned; (2) Palestinians' state-building efforts, and (3) confidence-building between the two sides.
Let me conclude by expressing Japan's determination to spare no effort to achieve a two-state solution.
I thank you.
First and foremost, I would like to reaffirm Japan's commitment to supporting a two-state solution based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi visited Palestine and Israel this August to demonstrate our unwavering commitment even under the persisting COVID-19 crisis. In the meetings with his counterparts, he urged both sides to take concrete measures to ease tensions and restore trust, while stressing the importance of improving the situation through peaceful means.
Tensions in Gaza have decreased since the ceasefire was declared. Humanitarian and reconstruction efforts are ongoing with logistical and financial support from neighboring countries and donors. Although humanitarian needs remain to be met in Gaza, Japan appreciates the fact that the ceasefire has been sustained and that there have been positive developments, such as the smoother delivery of humanitarian goods and movement of people. Efforts by Egypt and others to facilitate talks between Palestine and Israel, and between parties in Palestine, as well as recent high-level contacts between Israeli and Palestinian officials, are all encouraging.
On the other hand, the situation on the ground remains worrisome. Settlement activities, destruction of homes and expulsions of Palestinians by Israeli authorities in the West Bank as well as acts of violence at demonstrations continue. These acts jeopardize the efforts to build trust among the parties and could lead to re-escalation. Japan calls upon all parties to halt any activities that would hinder progress towards the realization of a two-state solution, and reiterates that the solution cannot be achieved through violence but only through negotiations and mutual trust.
Mr. President,
Japan is committed to continue supporting the people of Palestine so long as humanitarian and socio-economic challenges remain in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. Japan has extended grant aid of 23 million US dollars to Palestine since June and 40.9 million US dollars to UNRWA this year. Japan appreciates the US for its full reengagement and support for Palestine including its hefty financial contribution to UNRWA. Taking this opportunity, Japan reiterates its support for UNRWA's work on ground, including its generations-long efforts in the education sector. Japan encourages the international community, particularly those countries in the region, to provide funding for the Agency.
Furthermore, Japan has been taking the lead in two important initiatives: the "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity" and the "Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD)” with the aim of supporting (1) political dialogue among the parties concerned; (2) Palestinians' state-building efforts, and (3) confidence-building between the two sides.
Let me conclude by expressing Japan's determination to spare no effort to achieve a two-state solution.
I thank you.