Statement by H.E. Ambassador Koro Bessho

Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations

Statement after the Vote (MINUSMA)

29 June 2016

 

Mr. President,

 

Japan welcomes the unanimous adoption of Resolution 2295. I would like to thank France for taking the lead in preparing this resolution. Japan is happy to have co-sponsored the resolution.  

 

One year has passed since the signing of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. Japan commends all the Malian signatories who remain committed to implementing the Agreement. We must not lose momentum. In this regard, it is crucial for all the Malian parties to accelerate the implementation of the Agreement with renewed determination so as not to let spoilers jeopardize the peace process.

 

MINUSMA, together with international partners, continues to support Mali in this process. Japan, as a bilateral partner, also provides assistance to Mali to build the capacities of its security sector and to spread the dividends of peace throughout the entire population.

Above all, let me underscore that the principal actors for the implementation of the Peace Agreement are the Malians themselves. The Prime Minister of Mali, H.E. Mr. Modibo Keita, reaffirmed at this Council two weeks ago that his Government was determined to expedite the successful implementation of the Agreement. Japan looks forward to the strong leadership of the Government of Mali.

 

Finally, Japan pays tribute to the MINUSMA personnel who work every day under severe security conditions. I would like to express my sincere condolences to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Resolution 2295 increases the authorized number of MINUSMA troops by 20% and clarifies its mandate to ensure the security of personnel. Japan strongly hopes that these measures will bring tangible results in improving the Mission’s security and its capacity to implement its mandate on the ground.

 

Japan reiterates its full support for MINUSMA and for the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Mr. Mahamat Saleh Annadif.

 

Thank you, Mr. President.