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Japan
Useful Links:
http://www.undp.org/missions/japan/
Position paper, courtesy of Myra Meyerovich
Introduction
Mr. President,
Mr. Secretary General,
Distinguished Delegates,
I would like to begin my comments by congratulating Mr. Didier Opertti Badan, the Foreign Minister of Uruguay, on his election as President of the 53 session of the UN General Assembly.
Mr. President,
Japan is optimistic about the future despite the many difficulties facing the world today. On top of the many long-standing issues, there is now also the threat of a worldwide economic meltdown. The current financial troubles of individual nations, and even whole regions, may hamper international efforts to ensure peace, stability, and economic development. In these uncertain times, it is more critical than ever to use the world's limited resources more efficiently. To this end, it is vital that we move quickly to implement much needed reforms that will allow the international community to respond effectively to political and economic emergencies. The nation of Japan is willing to assume additional responsibilities in accordance with our changing role in the post-Cold War era. As the second largest economic power, Japan has a duty to help developing nations. Japan is proud to be one of the world's largest donors of economic and humanitarian aid.
Economic Crisis
Mr. President,
The international economy is in bad shape. Financial instability has encompassed the Asia/Pacific region, Eastern Europe, and now threatens Latin America. Even the developed nations of Western Europe and North America are facing an uncertain economic future. Nevertheless, there is still hope if major economic powers will move in concert with each other to alleviate global financial problems.
Japan recognizes its regional and worldwide responsibility as the second largest economy. We also do not underestimate the problems facing our own nation such as the banking crisis, recession, and the decline in stock and real estate markets. Recently, Japan has taken great strides to solve our financial troubles, and it encourages other countries to do the same. It is Japan's belief that a strong Japanese economy would be able to jump-start the regional economy by providing capital and markets. As you well know, Japan is urgently introducing major banking reform, working on deregulation of the economy, and is attempting to stimulate economic growth.
Though Japan recognizes the right of all nations to regulate their own economy, Japan would like to warn other nations of the dangers of protectionism, unfair tariffs, and other restrictions on free trade that contradict WTO policy and international treaties. The international community must work together to solve this international financial crisis. Free and open markets are vital to this effort. We also must not use our current economic difficulties as an excuse to ignore our responsibility to provide humanitarian aid to countries in need. Instead, we should use the current situation as an opportunity to increase the efficiency of the United Nations.
United Nations Reform
Mr. President,
With the end of the Cold War, the world is no longer divided into two camps. Shifting alliances are now based on regional issues. New economic powers have arisen to fill the void left by the old. The world is becoming multi-polar. It is necessary to reform the Security Council to reflect this new global political reality. The nation of Japan believes it is necessary to add five new permanent members to the Security Council. We recommend that one country from each region be chosen to serve on this reformed council. These nations should demonstrate the peaceful, democratic, and humanitarian characteristics that embody the United Nations. These nations should also be prepared to contribute to United Nations' programs in proportion to their newly increased responsibilities.
Regional Crises
Mr. President,
The nation of Japan is extremely concerned about international and regional crises in the Balkans, Middle East, Asia Pacific Region, and Africa. It is in our belief that all these problems can and should be resolved peacefully. It is necessary to provide increased humanitarian aid and intervene diplomatically before a conflict erupts into violence. Japan is firmly committed to promoting peace and stability in the world, and is ready to take a larger responsibility for the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.
Rwanda-Burundi
Mr. President,
Japan would like to extend its sympathy to the unfortunate people of Rwanda. The international community's response to genocidal violence that swept through Rwanda in 1994 was woefully insufficient. We must work together to promote peace and understanding among the peoples of Rwanda to ensure that genocidal ethnic conflicts do not reoccur.
General African Situation
Mr. President,
Unfortunately, the situation in Rwanda is not unique. There are many nations in Africa, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), Sudan, and Lesotho, that are facing civil war and disintegration. The list of African conflicts is unfortunately long. Japan is providing humanitarian aid and is helping African nations to resolve their problems peacefully.
Arab-Israeli conflict
Mr. President,
The nation of Japan is worried about the continuing unstable situation in the Middle East. We hope for a speedy and peaceful resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict in the spirit of the Oslo treaties. We feel that the conflict can be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties involved through mutual cooperation and negotiation. Japan is willing to facilitate any such diplomatic solution, and commends the United States for its efforts.
Kosovo
Mr. President,
Japan would like to extend its sympathies to the Kosovan people. We are greatly upset by the fighting currently going on in that region. It is consistent with Japan's humanitarian philosophy that all conflicts can and should be solved peacefully. Though we respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia, we are deeply distressed by the suffering of the Albanian refugees and would like to prevent a new humanitarian catastrophe from developing in the Balkans.
Nuclear Proliferation
Mr. President,
Japan is deeply disturbed by global nuclear proliferation. We urge all nations, including India, Pakistan, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to abstain from developing these horrendous weapons and to abide by the NPT and CTBT treaties. We would like to commend the British and French governments for the recent significant decreases in their nuclear arsenals, and would like to urge other nuclear nations to follow their example.
Landmines
Mr. President,
Every twenty minutes a person is maimed or killed by a landmine. Although we previously supported the use of landmines as a part of the defense policy in the Koreas, we now realize that the human cost is too high. In March of 1997, Japan hosted the Tokyo Conference on Anti-Personnel Landmines. Since then, we have pursued a "Zero Victim" policy. I want to remind you that Japan is one of the signatories of the Ottawa Land Mine Ban treaty. We would like to encourage other nations to follow our example in the speedy ratification and implementation of this important treaty.
Environment
Mr. President,
As a heavily industrialized nation with limited natural resources, Japan is acutely aware of the importance of using them wisely. It is difficult to underestimate Japan's commitment to the preservation of the environment. Recently, we hosted the Kyoto Conference on global warming and green house gasses. Japan strongly urges nations that still have not signed or ratified the Kyoto Treaty to quickly do so. Protection of the environment is a global issue and is in everybody's best interest.