Statement by
H. E. Ambassador Sumio Tarui
Permanent
Representative of
Ninth Meeting of the High Contracting Parties to Amended Protocol II
The Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects (CCW)
Mr. President,
At the outset, I would like to congratulate you most warmly on your assumption of the role of president-designate to the Ninth Meeting of the High Contracting Parties to Amended Protocol II. I wish you every success in discharging your important tasks to guide the work of this Meeting with a view to resolving all pending issues of the State Parties. I pledge the fullest cooperation of my delegation to your endeavour.
Mr. President,
From the viewpoint that a universal prohibition on anti-personnel landmines is necessary in order to solve the humanitarian problems caused by landmines, Japan places great importance on the Mine Ban Treaty (Ottawa Convention), and has been actively appealing to non-States Parties to join the Treaty. On the other hand, the Amended Protocol II also provides a realistic and practical approach to reducing the humanitarian impact of landmines by requiring States Parties to prohibit their transfer, ensure detectability and attach self-destruct mechanisms. Moreover, the significance of the Protocol is that it not only regulates the use, transfer, record and disposal of anti-personnel mines, but also mines other than antipersonnel mines (MOTAPM), booby traps and other devices. For the countries that are experiencing difficulty in joining the Mine Ban Treaty, we urge them to examine joining the Protocol as a first step and participate in the global effort to reduce the humanitarian suffering caused by landmines.
Mr. President
Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the Protocol. For the reduction in harm caused by landmines, all States Parties should reaffirm the significance of the Protocol and make efforts towards the further universalization and steady implementation of its obligations.
Thank you.