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Statement by Ambassador Motohide Yoshikawa
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council
on the Situation in the Middle East
15 January 2015
Mr. President,
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you for convening this important meeting. I would also like to thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Jens Toyberg-Frandzen, for his informative briefing.
1. The Middle East Peace Process
The Gaza conflict, which occurred last July, was the third major conflict in six years. The ensuing tensions on the ground have underscored the need for a just, durable and comprehensive peace between Israel and Palestine based on a two-state solution.
The international community has not stood idle against this difficult situation. The Gaza Reconstruction Conference hosted by Egypt and Norway last October demonstrated a strong international commitment for reconstruction.
Japan, for its part, has already disbursed the 20 million dollars it pledged at the Conference. This forms part of the 200 million dollar commitment announced by Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida last March.
Furthermore, starting tomorrow, the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Shinzo Abe, will embark on a visit to the Middle East. In Israel and Palestine, Prime Minister Abe will call on leaders of both sides to work towards the resumption of peace negotiations. He will also confirm Japan’s commitment to assist with the attainment of peace and prosperity in the region in a policy speech to be made on January 17th at Cairo, Egypt.
I would like to mention with great appreciation that the United States has been making concerted efforts towards the resumption of peace negotiations. However, the recent series of events have made the prospect of the resumption of peace talks ever more precarious.
The Middle East Peace Process can only be achieved through a consensual and negotiated agreement between the parties. Nonetheless, in light of the impasse on the ground, we welcome and value the efforts of a number of Member States seeking the Security Council to play a constructive role. Although the Council was not able to put forth a concerted message two weeks ago, we look forward to the Council engaging constructively in the peace process, as appropriate and when necessary.
Mr. President,
No support by the international community, including the Security Council, can substitute Israel and Palestine’s own efforts and political will for achieving peace. To this end, we underscore the need for both sides to nurture an environment propitious to the resumption of peace negotiations.
Unilateral measures and punitive countermeasures only lead to a vicious cycle of mistrust. We therefore call on Israel to continue the transfer of tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority as agreed to in the Paris Protocol of 1994. We also reiterate our call to completely cease settlement activities, which are illegal under international law. In turn, we call on Palestine to refrain from taking any unilateral measures that could undermine efforts for the resumption of peace negotiations.
2. Japan’s mid and long-term contribution to the peace process
Mr. President,
The current impasse and tensions on the ground should not dissuade us from looking ahead. Efforts to build a sustainable economy in Palestine and promote mutual trust between the two peoples will reinforce the political process, and hence must continue. In light of this, Japan has been steadfast in providing distinctive support in these fields from a mid and long-term perspective. Allow me to share with you some concrete examples.
First, the viability of two-states living side by side in peace and security is underpinned by an economically sustainable Palestine. With this understanding, Japan has been working to mobilize private investment in Palestine through the establishment of the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park, a flagship project of the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” Initiative launched in 2006. In cooperation with Israel, Jordan and Palestine, Japan has been working to establish an export center in the heart of the Jordan valley. The project is expected to provide up to 7,000 jobs and serve as a testament to the dividends to be gained through cooperation.
Secondly, Japan is rallying the experiences and resources of East Asian countries for Palestinian development. Under “the Conference on the Cooperation among East Asian countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD),” Japan has, in collaboration with Indonesia and Malaysia, provided capacity-building assistance in numerous fields, including agriculture, finance and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Thirdly, recent tensions highlight the need for fostering mutual trust, not just today but well into the future. To this end, Japan has invited close to 200 young leaders from Israel and Palestine since 1996, including 10 invitees last November. Through extensive discussions and visits in Japan, participants have come away reminded not of their differences but of similarities and their common goal of peace, which unite them.
I would like to emphasize that, in spite of the heightened tensions on the ground, Japan, in cooperation with the United Nations and the international community, remains unwavering in our efforts to contribute towards lasting peace based on a two-state solution.
3. The Situation in Iraq and Syria
Mr. President,
I would now like to turn our attention to Iraq and Syria. The so-called “Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)” is not only a grave threat to the Middle East region, but also to the international order. We welcome the strong momentum for international cooperation as was demonstrated at the recent Counter-ISIL Coalition Ministerial Meeting held in Brussels in December.
The threat of ISIL calls for a multi-faceted and long-term response. Japan, for its part, will spare no effort in providing non-military assistance. We will continue to provide humanitarian aid, assist counter-terrorism capacity building, improve local welfare and cut the flow of foreign terrorist fighters and funding. For example, as part of our efforts to address the humanitarian challenges posed by ISIL, Japan is currently providing foodstuffs, water and medicine totaling 25.5 million dollars in Iraq, Syria and neighboring countries. These and other measures are part of Japan’s efforts to help build local societies that are safe, prosperous and resilient against the allures of violent extremism.
Mr. President,
Achieving progress in the political process is equally important. Japan therefore welcomes the formation of an inclusive Iraqi cabinet last October. We look forward to backing ongoing efforts by the Iraqi government to achieve national reconciliation. Japan also supports efforts by the UN Special Envoy, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, towards achieving a political solution in Syria based on the full implementation of the Geneva Communiqué of June 2012. In light of the difficult situation on the ground, we also call on all relevant countries to support the Special Envoy’s efforts.
Mr. President,
Japan is mindful of the unique and constructive role it can play in assisting countries in the region achieve peace and prosperity. We stand ready to continue our cooperation with the United Nations and the international community in this regard.
I thank you, Mr. President.
