Statement by H. E. Ambassador Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
Statement After the Vote
(South Sudan)
23 December 2016
Thank you, Mr. President.
Japan shares deep concern regarding the ongoing violence and serious humanitarian situation in South Sudan.
It should be noted, however, that there has been some progress since late November, most notably the 25 November decision by the Council of Ministers of the Transitional Government giving consent to the full and immediate deployment of the Regional Protection Force, and President Kiir’s 14 December speech to the Parliament on an inclusive National Dialogue. We are encouraged by the demonstration of political will by the President.
These commitments would be meaningless if their implementation were delayed, and in such a case, it is the South Sudanese people who would suffer. What is absolutely necessary is for the Transitional Government to swiftly translate these commitments into concrete actions in order to prevent large-scale violence, and for it to cooperate fully with UNMISS, including by expediting the deployment of the RPF.
Japan believes that it would be counterproductive to introduce additional sanction measures at a time when the Transitional Government is making some positive moves.
The Council must continue to engage with the Transitional Government. Japan views that there is still room for diplomatic efforts in order to urge the Transitional Government to make further steps ahead. All the parties and actors can play a significant role individually or collectively. Our Prime Minister’s special envoy visited Juba just this week to urge action by the South Sudanese leadership, including President Kiir, on these areas. We will continue to make such efforts.
Japan remains strongly committed to the wellbeing of the people of South Sudan and to the country’s long-term development. Japan will continue to contribute to South Sudan’s peace and security.
Concrete actions by the Transitional Government are key. The international community, including the Security Council, will closely monitor the situation on the ground. We should also recall resolution 2327, including paragraph 10, which the Council adopted unanimously.
Japan decided to abstain for the aforementioned reasons. Japan’s abstention today should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the status quo or an attitude of wait and see. The Council should remain seized of this matter.
