Statement by H.E. Ambassador Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Debate of the United Nations Security Council
On the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)
14 September 2016

 

 

Mr. President,

 

          Let me first express my gratitude to you for convening this debate. I would like to welcome the Secretary-General’s Special Representative, Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto, to his first briefing today.  Japan looks forward to working with you and is ready to assist your efforts in any way possible. 　

 

Mr. President,

 

          As we have heard in SRSG Yamamoto’s briefing, Afghanistan has seen some positive developments, but also areas that require further improvement.  We welcome the National Unity Government’s continued reform efforts as the Brussels Conference approaches.  International expectations are high for the outcome of anti-corruption initiatives which will support the steady implementation of the Self-Reliance through Mutual Accountability Framework (SMAF). 
          Japan welcomes the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Justice Center by the Government.  It is essential for the Center to deepen trust between the Government and Afghan citizens, as well as between the international society and the Government, through increased transparency and reform.

 

Mr. President,

 

          Since the previous debate on UNAMA in June, we have witnessed two major positive developments in the economic sector.  The first is that Afghanistan achieved full membership in the WTO.  The second is that the IMF approved a $45 million three-year extended credit facility agreement for Afghanistan.

 

          Afghanistan’s achievements in economic reform deserve to be highlighted.  Afghanistan is striving to become an export-oriented economy, and we note that the National Unity Government has been focusing on expanding agricultural productivity. 

 

          Agriculture is a key sector for generating jobs and income, and over the past few years, Afghanistan has invested in irrigation and water management.  Japan supports Afghanistan in exploring its agricultural potential as part of its efforts towards self-reliance.

 

Mr. President,

 

          Sadly, there is little good news about Afghanistan’s political and security situations.  On 23 July we saw the deadliest single terrorist attack in Afghanistan since 2001, while UNAMA reported the highest number of civilian casualties in a six-month period since 2009. 

 

          Japan is also concerned by continued abductions, assassinations and military clashes, as well as the Secretary-General’s recent observation that tensions have “increased significantly” between President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah.  The peace process is essential to Afghanistan’s future security, but we unfortunately have seen no real progress in this area. 

 

Mr. President,

 

          Afghanistan’s long-standing narcotic trafficking remains a persistent and dire problem.  Profits from the illegal narcotics trade flow to the Taliban and other insurgent groups, causing many negative consequences. 
          Japan, together with the Russian Federation and UNODC, has supported training programs for counter-narcotics police officers from both Afghanistan and Central Asian countries, thereby simultaneously contributing to strengthening regional cooperation.  However, there remains much to do in addressing the country’s ongoing narcotics challenges.

 

Mr. President,

 

          Today, the Security Council adopted a Presidential Statement reaffirming our support for the National Unity Government.  Japan strongly urges political actors at all levels to work together in support of a truly united national government that can address Afghanistan’s many difficult issues. 

         

          We look forward to SRSG Yamamoto’s leadership in implementing UNAMA’s mandate, and pledge our continued support for efforts in Afghanistan going forward.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.