Japan and the United Nations

● Japan is deeply concerned about the situation in Syria for two reasons. First, chemical weapons, types of arms whose use must not be permitted, were indeed used, killing or injuring a great number of victims. Japan cannot just sit back and watch, as such incidents could have a spillover effect on other owners of weapons of mass destruction, such as North Korea, and also because Japan experienced a terrorist attack employing sarin gas on its own subway system in Tokyo, where we saw many victims ourselves. Japan strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons.

● At the same time, we must not forget that conventional weapons are being used in this ongoing conflict in Syria, with the loss of precious human lives day after day, and that a large number of people are being displaced, and are forced to live as refugees. We must not solely address the problem of chemical weapons, but look to the entire situation in Syria itself.

● In this situation, we are expected to act by: making efforts toward the destruction of chemical weapons; seeking the cessation of violence and the promotion of political dialogue; and aiding in the improvement of the appalling humanitarian conditions. What is crucial is unanimous cooperation in the international community, and in this regard, I rate this conference very high. I expect participating countries will make the most of their own strengths, and work to reinforce and complement each other.

● Japan welcomes the efforts by countries concerned with the destruction of chemical weapons. Japan hopes the decision by the OPCW, as well as the adoption of a strong UN Security Council resolution that reinforces this decision. Japan will provide the greatest possible cooperation and contribution.

● As for the cessation of violence and the promotion of political dialogue, Japan will actively participate in and contribute to the international efforts toward the improvement and normalization of the situation in Syria, including dialogue with groups represented by President Al-Jarba.

● For humanitarian aid, there was a substantial increase in assistance Japan provided for Syria through international organizations and for neighboring countries, especially in the past year. In addition, Japan has initiated “cross-border” assistance to areas under the control of opposition groups, where it is difficult for assistance from the international community to reach, in coordination with various countries and NGOs.

● Based on the idea of human security, a concept that sets a high value on each and every human being, Japan will also pay attention to vulnerable and disadvantaged people when we continue offering humanitarian aid to Syria. So far, Japan has committed to a total of 280 million dollars for aid, which includes an additional 60 million dollars we announced today.

● We are determined in the future to conduct such assistance in parallel with the process of political dialogue, notably the Geneva II conference, and to move forward in cooperation with the international community.

● Seeing a significant number of human lives being lost in this part of the world, the international community must not remain helpless. People today are paying attention to what we are going to do to address this challenge, as will those of future generations.