(As delivered)
Statement by H.E. Ambassador Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the United Nations Security Council Briefing on Non-Proliferation
(Report of the Secretary-General
On the Implementation of Security Council Resolution 2231)
18 January 2017
Mr. President,
I join others before me in paying tribute to and in thanking Ambassador Samantha Power for the tireless dedication with which she has tackled numerous difficulties facing the world. Samantha, for me it was only for six months, but it was indeed a pleasure working with you.
Mr. President,
I would like to thank the three briefers for their detailed reports on this important topic.
Two days ago, we marked the first anniversary of efforts to commence implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and the launch of the “2231 format” at the Security Council. We are encouraged by the very positive statements made by JCPOA members over the last few days and today to reaffirm their strong commitment to respect and implement the agreement. Japan fully agrees on the importance of implementing the JCPOA and resolution 2231, and will continue to strongly support both.
Mr. President,
One of the most visible examples of our support to the implementation of the JCPOA is our cooperation with the IAEA, which is verifying and monitoring that Iran’s nuclear program is used exclusively for peaceful purposes. Japan has announced that it will provide assistance through the IAEA for the purposes of implementing nuclear safety and safeguards commitments. The IAEA is playing an invaluable role in this regard, and we offer our full support.
Mr. President,
The international community has wholeheartedly backed the implementation of the nuclear and JCPOA-related elements of resolution 2231. In addition, the Council is also responsible for closely monitoring the implementation of the provisions of annex B of the resolution. Japan commends the efforts of the Secretariat in providing an objective and comprehensive report on this area.
We are aware of some alleged cases which may contravene the provisions of annex B, in particular regarding the arms and travel bans. We encourage the Secretariat to continue to examine these cases. The Council should utilize such tools as the Yemen Sanctions Committee and Somalia Sanctions Committee to obtain relevant information. As the Chair of the 2140 Committee, I am pleased to cooperate with the 2231 Facilitator, the Secretariat and other bodies.
Possible contraventions of the arms and travel bans are particularly serious because they have both direct and indirect influences on the regional situation. Japan believes that one of the most significant byproducts of the JCPOA was its potential to contribute to peace and security in the Middle East. We believe Iran can and should play a constructive role in addressing the difficult situations in Syria and Yemen. The Council is responsible for closely monitoring the situation and taking appropriate measures as necessary in order to prevent actions which undermine the stability of the region.
One significant achievement of resolution 2231 during the last six months was the full functionality of the procurement channel for processing nuclear-related proposals. Japan appreciates the efforts of the Facilitator and the Secretariat to make this mechanism useful and transparent for all Member States, ensuring the necessary information security and confidentiality. We will continue to support work under the 2231 format in this regard.
Mr. President,
Today, many of us welcomed the steady implementation of the JCPOA and resolution 2231, and we hope to see the participation of the delegation of Iran in future meetings. Japan is committed to working closely with Council members, JCPOA members and Iran, both individually and collectively, to enable the most effective possible implementation of resolution 2231.
I thank you, Mr. President.
