(Check Against Delivery)
Statement by H.E. Mr. Motohide Yoshikawa
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Open Debate of the Security Council
On the Situation in the Middle East
21 October 2014
Antes que nada, quisiera expresarle nuestro agradecimiento por la convocación de esta reunión tan importante.
Madam President,
The Gaza Reconstruction Conference held in Cairo, Egypt on 12 October 2014 proved to be a significant catalyst in renewing the international community's commitment towards the reconstruction of Gaza. We congratulate Egypt and Norway for their role in organizing this important Conference. I would also like to pay tribute to the Secretary-General, who just traveled to the region to re-energize the peace process.
In Cairo, Japan pledged to provide more than 20 million dollars in aid towards the reconstruction and development process, in addition to the 7.8 million dollars in emergency aid already disbursed in August. These are part of Japan's 200 million dollar aid pledge announced by our Foreign Minister Kishida at the Conference on the Cooperation among East Asian countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD) held in Jakarta in March.
It is essential that we build on the commitments made by the international community for attaining a sustainable ceasefire and reconstruction of Gaza. In this regard, the establishment of an international mechanism that addresses the issues of security, humanitarian aid and good governance is indispensable. Japan, in cooperation with Israel, Palestine and the United Nations among others, is ready to work towards this goal.
Madam President,
The recent crisis in Gaza demonstrates the urgent need for a just, durable and comprehensive peace based on a two-State solution. Efforts for the reconstruction of Gaza must also target the resumption of peace talks and the stabilization of the Middle East region. Regrettably, we have yet to see the resumption of direct negotiations since its interruption in April and the Gaza crisis in July. It is imperative that both Israel and Palestine work towards fostering mutual confidence and dialogue.
Japan stands ready to assist the parties in building mutual confidence. At every opportunity, Japan has called on leaders from both sides to work towards the resumption of peace negotiations. These include the visit by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to Japan in May, a visit by the then-State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Kishi to the region in July, the participation by Foreign Minister Kishida at the meeting of the AHLC (Ad Hoc Liaison Committee) held in New York last month, as well as a courtesy call paid by the State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Nakayama to Palestinian President Abbas on the margins of the Gaza Reconstruction Conference in Cairo. Furthermore, our Parliamentary Vice-Minister Mr. Sonoura is currently on a visit to Palestine and Israel to reiterate our message to both sides.
Japan calls on Israel to completely freeze settlement activities which are illegal under international law. Israel's recent land seizures, which risk paving the way for further settlement activities, run counter to international efforts for the pursuit of a two-State solution.
Correspondingly, we look to the Palestinian National Unity Government under the leadership of President Abbas to remain committed to the renouncement of violence, recognition of Israel, and adherence to previous diplomatic agreements, on their path towards achieving national reconciliation and peace in the Middle East. Japan welcomes the convening of their first ever Cabinet Meeting in Gaza on 9 October as a positive step. Japan also calls on Palestine to refrain from any unilateral action that may hinder the resumption of peace negotiations. From this perspective, Japan will closely follow discussions at this Council on the matter.
Madam President,
Japan is of the view that assistance for Palestine's nation building efforts also strengthens the foundations of the political process towards a two-State solution. To this end, Japan has been making distinct contributions to this effort by mobilizing private investments in Palestine.
One such initiative is the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park project. It is a flagship project of the "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity" initiative that Japan has been implementing since 2006 in cooperation with Israel, Jordan and Palestine. Six companies have already signed tenant contracts. One of them is due to begin operations before the end of the year. It is expected that the industrial park will lead to the creation of 7,000 jobs with expected annual economic benefits totaling more than 40 million dollars.
Another initiative of Japan is the Conference on the Cooperation among East Asian countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD). This is a process aimed at mobilizing East Asian resources for the sake of Palestinian development. During its second ministerial meeting held in Jakarta last March, participants committed to carrying out numerous capacity building projects. Japan has steadily been doing its part, for example, by conducting tourism sector cooperation with Thailand as well as human resource training for Islamic finance with Malaysia.
Madam President,
The so-called "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (ISIL) poses a serious threat to the international order. Japan strongly supports efforts by the international community in its fight against ISIL. It is imperative that global efforts against ISIL bring together the particular strengths of each country. In this regard, Japan will continue contributing to humanitarian aid efforts in Iraq, Syria and neighboring countries. We will provide additional humanitarian aid of 25.5 million dollars with the aim to prevent the spread of extremism and consolidate regional stability.
The issue of foreign terrorist fighters is not alien to Asia. In September, Japan supported the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2178 as one of its co-sponsors. Domestically, Japan will implement the Resolution by carrying out various counter-terrorism measures against extremism and terrorist financing, as well as border control, while strengthening our assistance towards other countries.
Madam President,
Before concluding, I would like to touch upon the situation in Syria. A political solution through the "Geneva Communique" of June 2012 is indispensable to bringing an end to the suffering of the Syrian people. An important element in this process is the consolidation of the Syrian National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces within Syria. Through means such as the Trust Fund for Syrian Reconstruction, Japan will continue to cooperate with the Syrian National Coalition.
Working closely with Mr. De Mistura, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Japan remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance in parallel with our efforts to bring about a lasting political solution.
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