安保理公開討論「国際の平和と安全：中東における政治的解決の推進」における山﨑大使ステートメント

Thank you, Madam President.
 
With the Middle East facing increasingly complex challenges today, the importance of dialogue and mediation in fostering mutual trust and easing tensions cannot be emphasized enough. To this end, it is obvious that the Security Council has a vital role to play.
 
This responsibility must be urgently fulfilled in addressing the pressing regional flashpoints. Regarding the situation surrounding Iran, an agreement between the U.S. and Iran must be achieved as soon as possible. Japan is gravely concerned about the recent exchange of strikes between Iran and Israel while U.S.-Iran talks toward an agreement are underway, and strongly calls on all parties concerned to maintain the ceasefire and exercise maximum restraint.
 
Furthermore, we emphasize that free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is vital to the global economy as a whole, not to mention global food and energy security, and call for the immediate restoration of stability in the Strait. Japan will continue to make diplomatic efforts towards the de-escalation of the situation.
 
We are deeply concerned about the situation in Lebanon, especially the casualties among civilians, medical personnel, and UNIFIL peacekeepers, as well as the destruction of civilian infrastructure, resulting from the exchange of attacks between Israel and Hezbollah. We strongly urge all parties to fully implement the ceasefire agreement.
 
To navigate the current instability and chart a clear future trajectory in Gaza, all parties must implement Security Council resolution 2803. In advancing to the second phase of the Comprehensive Plan, Hamas must disarm, and Israel must allow unimpeded delivery of aid at volume. In this regard, Japan joined the joint statement on humanitarian access in Gaza and the registration law affecting international NGOs led by the Netherlands. Japan is committed to playing a proactive role in improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza and in engaging in early-recovery and reconstruction through our “Efforts for Sustaining Peace” initiative.
 
The situation in the West Bank is also of great concern, exacerbated by the rapid escalation of settler violence against Palestinian civilians and the unilateral actions taken by the Government of Israel, including its settlement policy such as the E1 Plan. Japan expresses its grave concern over settlement activities, as they are in clear violation of international law and seriously undermine the viability of a two-state solution. We call upon Israel to take prompt and appropriate measures to prevent such violence and completely freeze all settlement activities.
 
Japan is committed to taking a greater role in building bridges to resolve conflicts. This year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan established the International Peace Mediation Unit to further strengthen its active and flexible engagement in peace mediation efforts. Japan will continue to contribute to diplomatic efforts toward a lasting peace in the Middle East, and the world.
 
I thank you.