Statement by H.E. Ambassador Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
After the Vote (UNISFA)
15 May 2017

 

 

Thank you, Mr. President.

 

Japan welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2352.  We thank the United States for its strong determination to lead the negotiations and engagement throughout the process.  We would also like to highly commend the flexibility of Ethiopia in supporting this resolution.

 

Japan voted in favor of this resolution based on the need to maintain the relative calm in Abyei and improve the functioning of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM).  UNISFA’s role has been crucial in the absence of the Abyei Area Administration, Council, and Police Service.  We thank Ethiopia for its efforts to this end.  

 

Japan is encouraged that grassroots dialogue between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya continues, and that the Amiet common market is benefiting both tribes.  However, we are disappointed by the lack of political progress to bolster these developments.  The Abyei Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC) and the Joint Political and Security Mechanism (JPSM) are very important to build confidence on pending issues such as the final status of Abyei as well as the demarcation and demilitarization of the Safe Demilitarized Border Zone (SDBZ).

 

Japan, as a matter of principle, supports the streamlining UN Peacekeeping missions, through improved efficiency.  We believe that on each PKO, the Council should hold in-depth discussions and make judgements on the mandates or ceilings we authorize, based on their individual merits.  We welcome that the Council was able to decide unanimously to make a final extension of the support to JVBMM unless a clear condition is met.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.