Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Adoption of the Draft Resolution on Nuclear Disarmament Submitted by Japan to the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly

November 6, 2001

The Government of Japan welcomes the adoption of the draft resolution on "A path to the total elimination of nuclear weapons", that it submitted this year to the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, on November 5 New York time (Japan time: November 6) with overwhelming support by a vote of 124 in favour to 2 against, with 20 abstentions.
The Government of Japan has annually submitted draft resolutions on nuclear disarmament since 1994 and has enjoyed overwhelming support of the international community. This year Japan has also submitted a draft resolution indicating a practical "path" to the total elimination of nuclear weapons in accordance with a progressive and practical approach, taking over last year's draft resolution in principle. This draft resolution was adopted by a majority vote as having basic principle to strong call for the total elimination of nuclear weapons, as well as incorporating measures to deal with the recent terrorism issues.
The Government of Japan intends to redouble its diplomatic efforts for nuclear disarmament and proliferation, in line with the adopted draft resolution.

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