Statement by H.E. 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,
Including the Palestinian Question
18 April 2016
Mr. President, Ambassador Liu Jieyi,
I would like to thank you for convening this important meeting. I also extend my sincere appreciation to H.E. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his sobering briefing.
Before addressing today’s topic, I would like to express, on behalf the people and Government of Japan, my sincere gratitude to the messages by H.E. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and by the leaders of many Member States expressing their sympathy and solidarity with the people of Japan after the major earthquakes which struck the Kumamoto region in western Japan. The earthquakes took the lives of more than 40 persons and injured more than 1,000 persons. Over 100,000 people are now living anxiously in evacuation centers. Our Self-Defense Forces, police, fire departments, and medical units are working around the clock. We are grateful for the offer of assistance extended by many countries and organizations.
On 16 April, the major earthquake struck Ecuador. On behalf of the people and government of Japan, I would like to express my solidarity to the people and Government of Ecuador.
Mr. President,
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is facing outbreaks of conflict, social unrest and violent extremism. Since Japan has become a member of the Security Council in January, I have listened to many reports on tragic humanitarian circumstances. We must address how we can contribute in concrete terms to the maintenance of peace and security in the Middle East and North Africa.
In Syria, Yemen and Libya, we recently see a glimmer of light and hope in bringing about a permanent end to conflict in each country.
In Syria, the cessation of hostilities from late February created the conditions necessary to facilitate immediate humanitarian access to besieged and hard-to-reach areas favorable to the political process. The new round of intra-Syrian Talks just started in Geneva. We greatly appreciate the tireless efforts of Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, and his team.
Japan has been providing assistance to Syria for the provision of food, improvement of living environments, and implementation of vocational training. In this regard, I am pleased to announce that the Government of Japan has decided to provide an additional assistance of 11 million USD as grant aid for the rehabilitation of 3 existing electricity facilities in Syria, through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Notes to this effect were exchanged last Friday here in New York, between Ms. Sima Bahos, Assistant Administrator and Regional Director of UNDP and myself. Electric generators provided by Japan to Syria during the 1980’s and 90’s through our development fund are providing more than 56% of the entire electricity supply in Syria. I believe this project will serve to strengthen the resilience of Syrian society, and thus can provide conditions that Syrian people may feel they want to remain in their country.
Mr. President,
Now turning our eyes to Yemen, Japan welcomes the commencement of a nationwide cessation of hostilities from 10 April. However, we received disappointing news that the scheduled peace talks in Kuwait facilitated by Special Envoy, Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, have not started yet. We urge all the Yemeni parties to engage in the peace talks as quickly as possible. As Chair of the Yemen Sanctions Committee, I always underline that sanctions are meant to support a political solution. Therefore, the resumption of direct talks is a long-awaited step forward.
Since September 2014, Japan has extended 85 million USD in grant assistance to Yemen. One of the projects is assistance to the constitution-drafting process. I believe that, once an agreement is reached through the Yemen Peace Talks, this pending assistance program will contribute to an early formulation of the constitution.
Mr. President,
We see another positive sign of light in Libya, where armed conflict and political instability has impacted over 3 million people across the country.
The arrival of the Presidency Council in Tripoli on March 30 marked a watershed in the on-going conflict. Here, we see energetic efforts by another Special Representative of the Secretary-General, namely Mr. Martin Kobler. Political parties in Libya are looking at a great opportunity to advance the Libyan Political Agreement so that the Government of National Accord (GNA) may tackle the challenges at hand. Upon establishment of the GNA, Japan stands ready to play its part in the reconstruction of the country, together with the international community.
Mr. President,
In spite of such encouraging signs in the MENA region, almost no positive change has happened in the Middle East Peace Process since the last debate at the Security Council in January. As peace talks stall, desperation and violence have spread. Settlement activities, which are illegal under international law, are in direct contradiction to the goal of a two-state solution. We reiterate that no act justifies violence and call on leaders to denounce it without exception.
Japan will continue to provide economic assistance to Palestine with the firm belief that a sustainable economy underpins the viability of a two-state solution. We are also ready to participate in initiatives, which can lead to the peace between Israel and Palestine, including the one put forth by the Government of France.
Mr. President,
I will end my statement by paying tribute to the tireless efforts by Special Envoys and Representatives of the Secretary-General stationed in the MENA region and by expressing my hope, that with the strong political will of the international community, we will see more positive developments in the MENA region by the next debate on this agenda in July, when Japan will have the honour to preside over the Council.
I thank you, Mr. President.
