Statement by H.E. Ambassador Yoshifumi Okamura
Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Briefing of the Security Council
By the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office
22 February 2017

 

 

Mr. President,

 

          Yesterday’s open debate was a good opportunity for us to recall the major contribution made by the OSCE in promoting security and preventing conflicts in Europe.  However, the debate was also a stark reminder that OSCE’s confidence building measures are increasingly necessary in light of attempts to forcibly alter the status quo by coercion in some parts of Europe.

 

          As a regional arrangement under Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, the OSCE is exemplary in supporting the Security Council in maintaining peace and security at the regional level.

 

          The OSCE has always held the conviction that, maintaining an international order based on the rule of law　that condemns the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any state as well as building confidence among Member States through efforts for dialogue and transparency, will bring peace and stability in Europe and the international community.  Based on this belief, the OSCE has been taking a comprehensive approach that encompasses not only politico-military security but also economic, environmental, and human aspects. Japan, as one of OSCE’s Asian partners, firmly shares its belief and comprehensive approach.  We are pleased to have expanded our cooperation with the OSCE over the past quarter-century. 

 

 

Mr. President,

 

          The situation in Ukraine, as I stressed at yesterday’s Open Debate, is of grave concern for the entire international community. It poses a serious challenge to the international order governed by the rule of law.  This is a matter of principle.

          We have contributed to Ukraine by dispatching a Japanese expert to the Special Monitoring Mission of the OSCE in light of its critical tasks.  In addition, Japan is supporting the country’s reform efforts to become a more resilient society.

 

Mr. President,

 

          The OSCE is playing an important role in mediation, including on the situations in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Transnistria, and Nagorno Karabakh.  We applaud the OSCE’s hands-on approach to enhance capacities and resilience in response to emerging issues such as violent extremism as well as humanitarian crises involving refugees and immigrants.  We look forward to further cooperation with the OSCE on a wide range of issues, including security and counter-terrorism through strengthened border management, election observation missions and women’s empowerment.

 

          In addition, I would like to mention my first-hand experience of the contribution by the OSCE.  When I was seconded to UNMIK from 1999 to 2000 and worked with Ambassador Jan Kickert, who is present here, the OSCE and UNMIK cooperated closely to conduct the first local election in October, 2000.  While this was not an easy task, today, peace and democracy have taken root in Kosovo to a certain extent.  This is due, in great part, to the efforts of the OSCE.

 

Mr. President,

 

          Just as tensions in Europe have an impact on the entire international community including Asia, increased tensions in Asia affect the stability of Europe.  Japan is committed to deepening cooperation with OSCE Member States as part of our joint efforts to maintain and consolidate the international order based on the rule of law.

 

        Thank you, Mr. President.