(As delivered)

 

Statement by H.E. Ambassador Koro Bessho

Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations

At the United Nations Security Council Briefing on the Middle East (Syria, Humanitarian Situation)

25 July 2016

 

 

I thank Under Secretary-General Mr. O’Brien for detailed briefing.

 

Japan expresses strong concern about the increasingly desperate situation in Syria. It is intolerable that Eastern Aleppo, Manbij and some other places seem on their way to being added to the list of besieged locations. We are disappointed that July’s humanitarian access plan is so far poorly implemented.

 

We commend enormous efforts by the UN, humanitarian bodies including ICRC and SARC (Syrian Arab Red Crescent), and co-Chairs of the ISSG to materialize access to besieged and hard-to-reach areas. Meanwhile, it is obvious that increased airstrikes and ground fighting block and delay sustained humanitarian access.

 

Mr. O’Brien reminded us of the importance to implement our own resolutions, especially Resolution 2286 that addresses the protection of civilians, medical personnel and facilities. This resolution does not focus on any specific conflict area, but Syria is a place that such protection is definitely necessary.

 

In this regard, ongoing efforts by the US and Russia to extend the cessation of hostilities to “hot spots” like Eastern Aleppo are of critical importance. Even temporary ceasefire makes the UN and humanitarian bodies to reach to Syrian people desperately waiting inter-agency convoys. Japan fully supports Mr. O’Brien’s proposal to hold weekly 48 hours cessation of hostilities to secure UN inter-agency humanitarian access.

 

I wish to conclude by stating that Japan with other members of the Council and the ISSG will continue to support and work for a lasting political settlement.