(As delivered)

Statement by H.E. Ambassador Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Briefing of the Security Council
On the Situation in Aleppo
30 November 2016

 

 

Mr. President,

 

I would like to express my gratitude to Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura, Under-Secretary-General Stephen O’Brien, and UNICEF Regional Director Mr. Cappelaere for their briefings.

 

Mr. President,

 

Less than 10 days ago, at the monthly briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria here in the Chamber, I said that our meetings must not simply be venues for expressing our concern about the devastating circumstances.  Rather, we must take action and achieve concrete results. Unfortunately the Security Council has not achieved concrete results since that time.

 

Today, the briefers have described the disastrous results of the escalation of the fighting in Aleppo in recent days. Japan commends all humanitarian workers for their invaluable, courageous efforts to seek every opportunity to ensure protection and access. But severe shortage of food rations, health essential and other life-saving supplies in East Aleppo is posing a grave threat to the population as the winter approaches.

 

Mr. President,

 

We have repeatedly called on the relevant states to exert the utmost influence on the fighting parties. We must do absolutely everything possible to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo to protect civilians and medical personnel, undertake urgent medical evacuations, and rehabilitate medical services. Japan reiterates its support for the co-penholders, Egypt, NZ, and Spain in seeking a resolution. We also support the initiative to unify the voice of the international community in the General Assembly. The Security Council must take action and should not be viewed as incapable of responding to a humanitarian crisis of this magnitude.

 

I heard with keen interest what Special Envoy De Mistura had to say. He affirmed his view that military logic is prevailing on both sides.

 

I agree with the Special Envoy that a stable and durable solution assuring non-recurrence of terrorist threats cannot be achieved through military means. We must be persistent in seeking a negotiated settlement.

 

Special Envoy told us that when he meets the Council on December 8, he would like to explain some options that should exist. I look forward to listening to him. In the meantime, we must deal with the urgent humanitarian crisis.

 

We must unite to halt this tragedy, and take action.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.