(As delivered)

Statement by Minister Takeshi Akahori
At the Open Debate of the United Nations Security

Council Under the Agenda Item “The Situation in the

Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question”
19 October 2016

 

 

Thank you Mr. President,

 

          I would like to begin by expressing our sorrow for the passing of Mr. Shimon Peres, who engaged tirelessly in the Middle East Peace Process during his long political career. While we mourning his loss, we are deeply troubled by the developments in the region that undermine the prospects for a peaceful solution that Mr. Peres supported. 

          Japan is alarmed by the continued violence towards civilians, terrorist attacks, and incitements to violence. They are fundamentally incompatible with a peaceful solution.

          We also express deep concern over the continuing policy of settlement expansion, which is in violation of international law. Expansion of settlements steadily erodes the viability of a two-state solution and raises questions on Israel’s support for a two-state solution.

          The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza remains an urgent challenge to be addressed by the international community.

 

Mr. President,

          More than two years have passed since the current impasse in the Middle East peace process began. We have seen a vicious cycle of violence and increasing mistrust and frustration between the parties. We must stand firm and continue to encourage the resumption of meaningful negotiations, so as not to lose sight of a two-state solution. Leaders of both sides must show serious commitment to the peace process and take concrete steps towards peace.

          Today, I would like to stress the importance of confidence building between the parties.

 

Mr. President,

          In the year 2006, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan visited Israel, Palestine and Jordan. Mr. Koizumi met with Mr. Olmert, Prime Minister and Mr. Peres, then Deputy Prime Minister, and stressed the need to achieve peace through dialogue. Prime Minister Koizumi asked Mr. Olmert and Mr. Peres for their support and cooperation on a new Japanese initiative called the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity”. It is an effort to support economic and social development in Palestine through regional cooperation among Palestine, Israel, Jordan and Japan. The following year, Mr. Peres visited Japan and took part in the launch of the ministerial meeting of the initiative, where the four partners agreed to cooperate.

          It is Japan’s belief that in order to achieve a two-state solution, we need to assist Palestinians in realizing sustainable economic development. Such medium to long term effort underpins the coexistence of the parties in peace and prosperity. The cooperation among the parties through the initiative helps to build mutual trust, creating an atmosphere that is more conducive to peace.

          This year marks the 10th anniversary of the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative. The Fifth ministerial meeting was held in September. Three Palestinian companies have commenced operations in the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park (JAIP), the flagship project of the initiative. 34 other companies have signed lease agreement. The project now creates jobs. The products made in the Agro-Industrial Park are now available in local grocery shops, contributing to the local economy. The project has not been an easy one; the achievements were possible only because each party has strived to overcome its concerns in the spirit of cooperation.

          We envisage that products made in the Agro-Industrial Park will be exported through Jordan to countries of the region and beyond in the years to come. We hope that the Park will grow to become a pillar of the Palestinian economy. We believe that more prosperous Palestine will contribute to the stability of the region.

 

Mr. President,

          We must not let pessimism stall the Middle East peace process. We must continue to move forward. Reversing the negative trend remains an urgent task, and efforts to build confidence between the parties must continue ceaselessly, regardless of the situation we face.

          In closing, I would like to stress that Japan as a member of the Security Council will continue to actively engage in achieving peace in the region, in close cooperation and coordination with the United Nations and the international community. 

 

I thank you, Mr. President.