Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan on the Rejection of the UN Security Council's Resolution on the Syrian Situation

February 5, 2012
Japanese

On Saturday, February 4 (early morning Sunday, February 5, Japan time), a UN Security Council draft resolution on the Syrian situation was rejected. More than 5,400 people have been killed in relation to the ongoing oppression in Syria since March last year. Nevertheless, the UN Security Council, which is consisted of responsible members of the international community, was unable to issue a strong and unified message regarding this inhumane and undemocratic situation which is deeply regrettable and brings profound disappointment to those people suffering under the oppression.
The oppression in Syria continues as before, beginning with the northwestern city of Homs, and the number of casualties is also growing. In order to prevent further bloodshed, Japan urges the Syrian government to halt the violence immediately, and implement the Arab League peace plan promptly and fully.
An urgent and unified response by the international community is needed to improve the situation in Syria, and Japan too will continue to make every diplomatic effort possible, in coordination with the international community.

(*The foregoing is a provisional translation. The date indicated above denotes the date of issue of the original press release in Japanese.)

(END)