Statement by H.E. Ambassador Koro Bessho

Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations

At the Security Council Briefing on the Syrian Political Process

12 April 2017

 

Madam President,

 

I thank Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura for his extensive briefing, and commend his efforts and commitment to keep the political process moving forward.  The 5th round of Intra-Syrian Talks in Geneva demonstrated the willingness of allsides to talk seriously, with both the Government and opposition groups undertaking discussions without a major pause or suspension.  Mr. de Mistura described for us today that there have been discussions on main substantive issues, while pointing out the need to move beyond the preparatory stage.

 

Madam President,

 

Regrettably, the relatively positive news from Geneva is outweighed by grim news on the ground.  The alleged use of chemical weapons last week is an affront to humanity and ablatant violation of Security Council resolutions.  The Council must reaffirm its determination to urgently address this alleged use of chemical weapons.  At the same time, we must not lose sight of the humanitarian situation as a whole.  Even with a monthly meeting on the humanitarian situation, it is important that we emphasize it here in the context of political process, as well.  We were shocked by the use of chemical weapons, but we have also been shocked for many months by the enormous number of besieged people, now at 644,000 according to OCHA.

 

Madam President,

 

Japan’s position is clear: we will continue our assistance to all Syrian people in need.  This means not simply contributing funds, but taking the responsibility to ensure that aid reaches the people who need it.  For this reason, our attention turns again to the UN’s repeated warnings that bureaucratic impediments are the main obstacles to humanitarian access.  We have repeatedly urged the Syrian Government, which bears primary responsibility for this obstructed access, to simplify procedures.  Japan is deeply disappointed that even on occasions when the Syrian Government has responded, we have not seen any significant change. We will continue to engage closely with other relevant parties to improve access, but we cannot fully succeed without the Syrian Government’s cooperation.

 

Madam President,

 

Last year, Mr. de Mistura often used the metaphor of a “three-legged stool” for Syria. The first leg, the political process, seems more steady after the recent Geneva talks, and we strongly support UN efforts there.  The second leg, the ceasefire, is starting to wobble with news about fighting. Japan supports efforts by the three guarantors on the Astana Process, the only functioning ceasefire mechanism. We are also encouraged that Mr. de Mistura is extending support to Astana. The third leg, humanitarian access, is very unstable. We need to see major improvements to send a clear message to the Syrian people that they have not been abandoned.

 

Madam President,

 

The facts are clear: the ISSG continues to work despite some confrontations. UN mediation is making some progress. Humanitarian bodies are making their utmost efforts. The OPCW and JIM are ready to implement their mandates. But what about the Security Council? We must prove that this institution is also serious about finding a solution to this crisis. Proof is long overdue.

 

I thank you, Madam President.