Statement by Ambassador Koichi Haraguchi
Permanent Representative of Japan
at the Open Meeting of the Security Council
on the Situation between Iraq and Kuwait

October 16, 2002

Mr. President

Thank you very much for convening today's open meeting.

Mr. President,

The general debate of the fifty seventh session of the General Assembly last month proved to be a salient opportunity to renew international momentum to address the issue of Iraq. In their statements, many leaders saw the Government of Iraq's non-compliance with the Security Council resolutions as a matter of grave concern to the entire world. They emphasized the importance of maintaining the unity of the international community and of resolving this issue through the United Nations.

In his statement at the Assembly, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi stressed that Iraq must comply with all the relevant Security Council resolutions; that the international community should continue to work together and engage more strenuously in diplomatic efforts through the United Nations; and that it must pursue the adoption of necessary and appropriate Security Council resolutions as soon as possible.

In response to the international appeals, including those made at the United Nations, the Government of Iraq announced that it would allow the return of the United Nations weapons inspectors without conditions. Also, in their consultations in Vienna earlier this month, the Government of Iraq and UNMOVIC and IAEA basically agreed upon the practical arrangements for implementing the inspections based on the existing resolutions. These developments could be regarded as the first steps toward resolving the issue of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. However, I have to emphasize that what is most important is that immediate, unconditional and unrestricted inspections actually be conducted in Iraq; that Iraq comply with all the relevant Security Council resolutions; and that there be no doubt whatsoever about the elimination of its weapons of mass destruction.

Mr. President,

I would like to take this opportunity to comment on a number of points which the Government of Japan regards as important in the international community's efforts to address this issue.

Firstly, in view of past experience regarding Iraq's acceptance of inspections, it is essential that the international community remain resolute and put maximum pressure on the Iraqi Government in order to make it comply with the resolutions.

Secondly, this should be considered not as an issue of Iraq versus certain countries, but as one facing the international community as a whole. Preserving international solidarity is thus key to resolving this issue.

Thirdly, the ability of the United Nations to act effectively has implications for the very credibility of this organization, and could have a decisive effect on international solidarity. Member States should therefore pursue ways to address this issue through the United Nations, and it is essential that the UN, in turn, function effectively.

Fourthly, any doubts regarding the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq should be completely resolved, and for that objective, effective, strong and credible inspections must be guaranteed. This is also important from the viewpoint of maintaining confidence in the international non-proliferation regime with regard to weapons of mass destruction. The Government of Japan supports the strengthening of the inspection regime necessary to ensure effective and credible inspections, including unfettered access to the presidential sites. We also support Dr. Hans Blix's steady and correct approach, and will continue to cooperate with the activities of UNMOVIC under his leadership.

Last but not least, in dealing with this issue, it is indispensable to bear in mind the importance of paying serious attention to the interests and concerns of surrounding countries and of ensuring the stability of the region.

Mr. President,

The attention of the international community with regard to this issue is now focused on the discussion of a new Security Council resolution. The Government of Japan hopes that the Security Council, which is entrusted with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, will bear in mind the points I have just made, and conduct its consultations seriously and expeditiously and adopt a resolution that is both necessary and appropriate.

Thank you very much.