Statement by Ambassador Yoshifumi Okamura
Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Debate on Agenda Item 34
“the Situation in the Middle East” and
Agenda Item 35 “the Question of Palestine”
71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly
30 November 2016
Mr. President,
I thank you for convening this important meeting, and would like to congratulate you on your excellent management of the current session of the General Assembly. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the people of Palestine on the occasion of yesterday’s International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
Instability in the Middle East has had repercussions beyond the region, the most prominent manifestations of which are the waves of refugees and migrants and the spread of violent extremism. International community has dealt with these issues, with mixed results at best. However, we must be aware that these are symptoms of deeper issues which we should not lose sight of. Japan stressed in the open debate on the situation in the Middle East at the Security Council in July that restoration of and strengthening governance must be promoted in order to create an inclusive and tolerant society resilient against extremism. These efforts will not be complete overnight, and international community must be united in making such efforts.
Mr. President,
With regard to the Question of Palestine, a number of resolutions have been adopted at this session of the General Assembly. However, we should not consider that enough international effort has been made to bring about a peaceful solution to the issue with these resolutions. Now more than ever, we need actions that have tangible impact on the ground. Taking a look at Palestine, it seems that we have actually moved away from achieving a two state solution.
Settlement activities by Israel continue in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The settlement activities are in violation of international law, and Japan calls upon Israel to immediately freeze such activities.
At the same time, we continue to see violence from both sides, with varying degree of intensity. Cases of violence indicate that one state reality is not of interest to either party, with persisting violence and turmoil. I would like to call upon the leaders of both sides to renew their commitment to a two state solution and take concrete steps toward the resumption of peace negotiations.
Japan stands ready to cooperate with initiatives which will have positive impact to promoting a two state solution. Also, we have continued our own efforts to create an environment more conducive to peace negotiations. One such example is Jericho Agro-Industrial Park, the flagship project of our “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative. We have continuously invested in this medium to long term project to promote the sustainability of the Palestinian economy, in cooperation with Israel, Jordan and Palestine. The project is approaching its tenth year, and now we have 3 Palestinian companies operating, creating jobs. We envisage that in the coming years, the products made in the Park will be exported through Jordan to the region and beyond. We believe that more sustainable Palestinian economy will make a two state solution more viable, and cooperation among the parties through the project enhances the spirit of co-existence.
Achieving a two state solution means achieving co-existence of Israel and Palestine. In order to facilitate confidence building between the two, Japan has invited future leaders in various fields from both sides to Japan since 1997. During their stay in Japan, they have a chance to engage in various activities together and exchange their views. We have continued this programme every year for 19 years, and over 200 people have participated so far. I had a chance to meet with one of the participants from the Israeli side. He greatly appreciated the experience he had, telling me that he had never had a chance to talk with Palestinians in depth before the programme. Next month, we are looking forward to welcoming 10 people, 5 Israelis and 5 Palestinians.
There is no easy solution to the Palestinian question, but we believe that even when political process is stagnant, there is something we can do to create an environment more conducive to peace. Japan stands ready to continue its efforts together with the international community.
Middle East today is awash with issues, many of which are symptoms of deeper problems. While symptoms themselves are often quite difficult, we must keep in mind the necessity of embodying inclusiveness and co-existence in the region to achieve enduring peace. If the parties cannot share a hope for such a future, it is very difficult for them to sit down and negotiate. Japan believes that governance, inclusiveness and co-existence are the keys to bring peace to this region with great diversity, and will continue to engage in the region with this perspective in mind.
I thank you, Mr. President.
