Statement by H.E. Ambassador Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Briefing of the United Nations Security Council
On the Situation in the Middle East,
Including the Palestinian Question
15 September 2016
Mr. President,
Let me first express my gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Murray McCully, Foreign Minister of New Zealand, for convening this meeting. My gratitude also goes to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his thorough briefing today.
Mr. President,
As the Secretary-General mentioned in his briefing, a variety of initiatives have been undertaken in pursuit of the two-state solution. Unfortunately, we have seen little progress. Japan expresses its strong concern over the continued violence towards civilians, terrorist attacks, and incitements to violence. We also express strong concern over the continuing policy of settlement expansion. We believe that the settlement activity is a violation of international law and steadily erodes the viability of the two-state solution.
In addition, continued violence is fundamentally incompatible with a peaceful solution. The international community must take action to address the dire humanitarian situation and recovery needs of the people in Gaza, and to encourage the resumption of meaningful negotiations.
Mr. President,
Given the difficulty of the current situation on the ground, creating an environment conducive to the two-state solution may seem like a roundabout approach. However, I would like to make note of the fifth ministerial-level meeting of the Four-Party Consultative Unit for the Corridor for Peace and Security initiative, which was held in Jericho, West Bank on 7 September.
It was hosted by Japan, with minister-level participation from Israel, Jordan and Palestine. Through job creation, this initiative seeks to support a sustainable economy in Palestine which underpins the viability of the two-state solution. At first glance, this project to create a conducive environment may not seem like the shortest route to the two-state solution.
However, cooperation of the four parties through this initiative has lasted for 10 years, regardless of the highs and lows of the political situation, and it plays a meaningful role in rebuilding trust between the two parties through economic and social development. Japan continues to be committed to peace and prosperity in the region.
Mr. President,
I would like to briefly discuss the situation in Syria, as well. Japan welcomes the agreement reached on 9 September between Secretary Kerry and Foreign Minister Lavrov, which has resulted in a nation-wide cessation of hostilities since 12 September. Even more importantly, the degree of violence has decreased markedly since the conclusion of this agreement. The reduction in violence allows the expansion of humanitarian access, gives hope to Syria’s people, and increases the prospect of the resumption of the political process.
We remember that the cessation of hostilities confirmed by Resolution 2268 in February was observed fairly faithfully for two months. In the months following, however, we witnessed a string of breathtakingly tragic events. We must prevent a relapse. Japan is committed to play its role as a member of the Council and the ISSG to promote stability and recovery of Syria.
Thank you, Mr. President.
