Statement by H.E. Mr. Motohide Yoshikawa
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Security Council Briefing on Ukraine
28 April 2016
Mr. President,
I would like to begin by thanking three speakers-- Assistant Secretary-General Zerihoun, Ambassador Apakan and my former colleague, Ambassador Sajdik for their insightful and sobering briefings.
Mr. President,
Japan is deeply concerned by the current situation in Ukraine. The briefings we just heard confirm our concern. Ukraine may not make headlines these days, but the situation is far from calm and stable. The number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk has been on the upward trend since January this year. During the week of April 11 to 17, the use of mortar fire recorded nearly 1,000 explosions, the highest number this year. In March, 20 Ukrainian soldiers were killed. These were the highest casualties since last August.
We must challenge this deadlock. The answer is in the Minsk Agreements. This document is agreed to and signed by all the relevant parties. It was also endorsed by the Security Council Resolution 2202. Japan once again urges all parties to fully and promptly implement the Minsk Agreements.
Mr. President,
It is a matter of concern that the freedom of movement of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission is increasingly restricted. The Special Monitoring Mission has been playing a pivotal role in helping to de-escalate the crisis, but without such restrictions, this mission can do much more. Japan stresses that the Special Monitoring Mission must be given full and unfettered access throughout the conflict zone, including entire border regions.
Mr. President,
Japan strongly believes that the conflict in Ukraine can only be solved by diplomatic means and in full respect for international law, especially the legal obligation to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.
In closing, I wish to confirm that Japan, as Chair of the G7 Ukraine Support Group and one of the largest donors to Ukraine, remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s efforts for reform.
I thank you, Mr. President.
