宇宙空間における大量破壊兵器に関する安保理決議案に対する拒否権に係る総会討論における山﨑大使ステートメント

 
Thank you, Mr. President.
 
Please imagine what would happen with a detonation of a nuclear weapon in outer space.
 
A large number of satellites and other critical space infrastructure would be taken down.
 
The consequences would be disastrous and irreversible, and would not be limited to outer space.
 
The repercussions would also affect people’s lives and obstruct sustainable development in every region on Earth, disastrously and irreversibly.
 
The draft Security Council resolution on weapons of mass destruction in outer space, co-drafted by the United States and Japan, was intended to avoid such a nuclear catastrophe for humankind.
 
Japan is disappointed by the use of the veto by the Russian Federation.
 
Thirteen Council Members voted “yes”.
 
Sixty-five UN Member States co-sponsored the draft resolution.
 
Regrettably, one permanent member decided to silence the critical message we wanted to send to the present and future people of the world: outer space must remain a domain free of weapons of mass destruction.
 
This use of the veto casts serious doubt on Russia’s commitment to the peaceful use and exploration of outer space and the fundamental principles enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty.
 
This veto is yet another example of the same permanent member’s disrespect for the global non-proliferation regime.
 
Such irresponsible action, once again, discredits the august body of the Security Council, which bears the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.
 
Despite this disappointing result, the placement of nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction must never be allowed in outer space.
 
Japan categorically opposes the development of any type of weapons of mass destruction for such purposes.
 
Preventing nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction in outer space must remain our priority, and should be pursued by all UN Member States, including the permanent member who blocked the draft resolution.
 
Outer space must never be an arena for a nuclear arms race.
 
Outer space must remain a domain of peace, hope, and prosperity.
 
I thank you.