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Statement by H.E. Mr. Toshiro OZAWA
Ambassador of Japan to the United Nations
On Strengthening the security and safety of United Nations operations, staff and premises

Agenda Items 121, 131, 134, 137, 138, 140, 141, 142, 145 (a) and (b), 146 and 147
Fifth Committee
Fifty-eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly
12 May 2004
New York

Thank you Mr. Chairman.

We join others in thanking Ms. Catherine Bertini, Under-Secretary-General of Management, for introducing the Secretary-General's report on "Strengthening the security and safety of the United Nations operations, staff and premises". And our appreciation also goes to the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), Mr. Vladimir Kuznetsov, for introducing the report of his Committee.

Mr. Chairman,

My delegation is fully aware that the Secretary-General's report together with its proposed measures for strengthening the security and safety of the United Nations was prepared with due consideration to the new security and safety environment that we face after the attack on the United Nations facilities in Baghdad on 19 August 2003. In order for the United Nations to fulfill its role entrusted to it by the international community, it is vitally important that we ensure the security and safety of its operations, staff and premises. The Government of Japan has attached great importance to matters regarding the security and safety of the United Nations, and will continue to do so.

Mr. Chairman,

The Advisory Committee provides in its report various recommendations concerning the proposals contained in the Secretary-General's report. These recommendations are made from an expert and technical standpoint and in an objective manner. The Government of Japan considers these recommendations by the ACABQ to be appropriate and worthy of careful consideration. My delegation expects that these recommendations would form a basis on which a consensus among the Member States could be formed.

Mr. Chairman,

My delegation is aware of the appointment of a senior "change manager", who is currently in the process of formulating recommendation on steps to further strengthen the United Nations security system. Following the completion of this study by the senior change manager, the Secretary-General is expected to submit his report to the General Assembly this fall. My delegation assures you that the Government of Japan will give this report a very thorough and serious consideration.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Related Information (Japan and the United Nations)

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