ウクライナ情勢に関する国連総会会合における辻副大臣ステートメント

Mr. President, distinguished colleagues,
 
The UN Charter is a common agreement which all Member States must observe in good faith. It is the foundation of all international relations. For this very reason, we cannot condone Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine. This General Assembly has repeatedly stated that Russia’s aggression is a clear violation of international law, including the Charter. Unilateral change of the status quo by force is never acceptable anywhere in the world.
       
There is no country that does not want peace in Ukraine. However, peace cannot reward the aggressor; it must be comprehensive, just, and lasting based on the purposes and principles of the Charter. We, the Member States, affirmed this one year ago in this hall. Nevertheless, the people of Ukraine continue to suffer from Russia’s unprovoked aggression.
 
Russia must be held accountable for all its atrocities. Other UN Member States must also refrain from supporting the aggression either directly or indirectly.
 
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues,
 
The people of Ukraine also need a hopeful vision for their future. Last November, I led an economic mission to Kyiv to promote Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction. We discussed concrete measures with Prime Minister Shmyhal and the business community and promised to accelerate these efforts.
 
On February 19th, we invited Prime Minister Shmyhal to Japan and held the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction in Tokyo. Tangible results were achieved, including the signing of more than 50 cooperation documents. In addition, we concluded the new Tax Convention as part of the development of a legal infrastructure. Japan also decided to introduce measures to relax the multi entry visa requirement for Ukrainians involved in Japan-Ukraine cooperation projects.
 
We would like to highlight that during the conference, we held a session on “Women Peace and Security what we call WPS with the aim of promoting discussions on how to incorporate a WPS perspective into the process of recovery and reconstruction in Ukraine. This session also affirmed our commitment to the protection of women, including through health care, shelter development and protection of victims of gender-based violence. Women and children, particularly those made vulnerable by conflict, must be protected. Japan will continue to take the lead in promoting WPS at the UN as well.
 
By holding this conference, we demonstrated our unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine. Japan will continue to lead international efforts to support Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction.
 
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues,
 
These initiatives, however, will not fully materialize and bring sufficient benefit to the Ukrainian people unless Russia stops its aggression.
 
We must continue our efforts to maintain and strengthen the international order based on the rule of law and realize a safe and secure world where human dignity is protected.
 
Japan is determined to play a leading role to strengthen the functions of the UN, including through reform of the Security Council, to enable it to fulfill its primary role.
 
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues,
 
I would like to pay my heartfelt compliments to Foreign Minister Kuleba and to the people of Ukraine who continue their efforts to restore peace. Japan will stand with Ukraine until peace and justice prevail.
 
I thank you.