Statement by Ambassador Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Open Debate of the Security Council
on Conflicts in Europe
21 February 2017

 

 

Mr. President,

 

          After the bitter experience of two world wars, Europe embarked on an ambitious effort to promote a rules-based international order, fully rejecting coercion. It has upheld principles which prohibit the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, and oblige the peaceful resolution of international disputes.

          With 57 Member States today, the OSCE has become the world’s largest regional security institution and has long contributed to conflict prevention and sustaining peace through confidence building measures.

          For over seventy years, Japan has joined its European and American partners in upholding the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law, market economy, and human rights.  It has strongly supported the UN system that embodies these values.  Sharing the same liberal values and proactively contributing to peace, NATO has similarly been a trusted and natural partner for Japan

          Yet despite this progress, Japan is concerned by the continuation of hot and frozen conflicts in Europe.  While the majority of these conflicts originate from long-standing ethnic tensions, many have been prolonged and exacerbated by flagrant acts that contravene the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and the Helsinki Accords.

 

Mr. President,

 

          Japan is deeply concerned about the recent deterioration of the situation in eastern Ukraine. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, in which almost 10,000 people are estimated to have been killed, is a recent significant threat to peace and security of Europe.  The full implementation of the Minsk Agreements, which the Council endorsed in resolution 2202, by all parties concerned is essential.  We commend efforts by the OSCE as well as by France and Germany under the Normandy Format, including the convening of last week’s Foreign Ministers meeting.

          On Crimea, we are opposed to any attempt to modify Ukraine’s borders through the threat or use of force or other unlawful means. The so-called “referendum” held in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol in March 2014 does not constitute the basis for any alteration of the status of Crimea. We call upon all States to fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

          The situation in Europe affects the entire international community.  Threats to the territorial integrity of one country cannot be ignored because they would undermine the fundamental principles upon which the entire international legal order is based.

 

Mr. President,

 

          In order to resolve Europe’s conflicts, major countries of the region need to step up their efforts. Regional and sub-regional organizations such as the OSCE and the EU play a significant role in conflict resolution, and the cooperation between the UN and these organizations is becoming increasingly important. The Council should pay closer attention to protracted conflict in Europe so that it does not turn into a serious threat to the peace and security of the region.

 

          Europe today faces emerging issues such as violent extremism and humanitarian crises involving refugees and immigrants. The international community must strengthen its response to these crises.  UN-wide efforts are essential to address root causes such as poverty and social injustice, and we fully support the ongoing reform efforts by Secretary-General Guterres.  The Japanese government has decided to provide an additional 750 million US dollars in assistance to address humanitarian and refugee issues as well as terrorism through the UN and other international organizations. 

          Europe must play a crucial role in upholding the international order based on the rule of law.  It is well-positioned to do so, as the host to the major international courts and tribunals, such as the Internal Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.

 

 

Mr. President,

 

          In concluding, Japan’s faith in the ideal of regional integration in Europe, which has contributed and will hopefully continue to contribute to improved quality of life, vanishing borders and the resolution of ethnic tensions, remains unchanged.  We stand shoulder to shoulder with Europe in supporting ethnic and religious tolerance, and in upholding the values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.

 

Thank you, Mr. President.