STATEMENT BY H.E. SUMIO TARUI

AMBASSADOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF JAPAN

TO THE CONFERENCE ON DISARMAMENT

(GENERAL STATEMENT)

Geneva, 29 January 2008

At the outset, please allow me to congratulate you, Ambassador Labidi, on your assumption of the high post of the presidency of the Conference on Disarmament at this important juncture. It is often said that the early stage of the Conference's annual session is always difficult, and this year is by far no exception. I am fully confident, however, that under your guidance the Conference will overcome its difficulties and find a way to meet the tasks entrusted to it by the international community. I assure you of my delegation's full support and cooperation.

Mr. President,

I would like to remind the Conference that this is the 10^th year since the CD last engaged in negotiations, and to re-emphasize the importance of reviving the function of the CD as the single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum of the international community.

Last year, under the six presidents, we engaged in important, substantive discussions on all the agenda items, especially the four core issues. Moreover, the Presidential Draft Decision contained in CD/2007/L.1 was formally introduced in the plenary meeting of 23 March 2007. We believe that, together with the complementary presidential statement (CRP5) and the draft decision (CRP6), L.1 could lead the Conference to immediately resume significant work in the course of this year. The discussions in the plenary meetings last year demonstrated broad support for this proposal, even though unfortunately it has so far not proven possible to take a decision.

Mr. President,

Japan reiterates the importance for all member states to continue and intensify their efforts to reach a consensus on a programme of work, as suggested in last year’s P6 draft decision, or on the package proposal already on the table. In this regard, I would like to recall the words of the Secretary General of the United Nations, who stated last week that the adoption of this balanced and carefully crafted Presidential Decision would not deprive any Member State of the ability to assert its national position in the subsequent phase of the Conference’s work.

On the other hand, in the event that the CD does not immediately reach consensus on the draft decision, deepening discussions on substance similar to the first part of last year’s session is vital. Accordingly, Japan gives its support to the current draft programme of activities. We are willing to actively participate in the scheduled discussions, especially on the core issues of nuclear disarmament, FMCT, negative security assurances (NSA) and the prevention of an arms race in outer space (PAROS).

Finally, in order for the Conference on Disarmament to fulfil its main function as the only disarmament negotiating body, Japan would like to reemphasize the importance of continuing our work to find consensus on a negotiating mandate in parallel with our substantive discussions.

Thank you for your attention.

(End)