(As delivered)

Statement After the Vote by Mr. Takeshi Akahori

Minister of the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations

At the Adoption of Resolution 2319 (JIM)
17 November 2016

 

Mr. President,

 

Japan welcomes the adoption of resolution 2319.

 

This is particularly important given that, to our deepest regret, additional allegations of chemical weapons use in Syria have been continuously reported. This is a grave challenge to the international norm of prohibiting chemical weapons.

 

We need to firmly uphold this norm. It is critically important in this regard to uncover the whole picture of the alleged use in Syria, and hold accountable those who are responsible. The Security Council is sending out a strong and clear message by renewing the mandate of the Joint Investigative Mechanism to identify those who are responsible for the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

 

Japan is ready to engage in a constructive manner to enable the Mechanism to accomplish its work even more effectively.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.