Statement by H.E. Mr. Sumio Tarui

Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Japan

to the Conference on Disarmament

(Nuclear Disarmament)

Geneva, 5 February 2008

Mr. Coordinator,

Distinguished delegates,

At the outset, let me congratulate you, Ambassador Martabit, on your assumption of the role of coordinator for Agenda Item 1 and 2, with a general focus on the Cessation of the Nuclear Arms Race and Nuclear Disarmament. I assure you of my delegation’s full support and cooperation in your activities.

Mr. Coordinator,

Last year, Japan submitted to the UN General Assembly its annual resolution on nuclear disarmament, which once again achieved the support of an overwhelming majority of UN Member States – an unprecedented 170 countries. For Japan, which has long been making serious efforts for nuclear disarmament, this impressive result demonstrates the growing momentum within the international community for the total elimination of nuclear weapons. This momentum was given added impetus just recently with the encouraging words of UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown in his New Delhi statement of 20 January, in which he called for a world that is free from nuclear weapons.

As the only country that has experienced nuclear devastation, Japan reiterates its determination to realize a peaceful and safe world free of nuclear weapons. For the elimination of such weapons, Japan favors a practical and incremental approach, which we have comprehensively outlined in our nuclear disarmament resolution. From the perspective of how discussions in the Conference on Disarmament should proceed, Japan believes it would be useful to examine whether there has been actual progress on any of the significant measures within our resolution. Additionally, it would be valuable if we could provide useful contribution to the substantive debates within the second NPT Preparatory Committee this year.

Mr. Coordinator,

As concrete nuclear disarmament measures, firstly, nuclear weapon reduction efforts by the nuclear-weapon States are required considering an estimated 26,000 to 27,000 nuclear weapons are still in existence. Japan welcomes the steady progress made by the United States and the Russian Federation, as well as other nuclear-weapon States, and urges them to undertake further cutbacks irreversibly and verifiably. Japan encourages the U.S. and Russia to implement fully the Treaty on Strategic Offensive Reductions (SORT) and to undertake nuclear arms reductions beyond those provided for by the Treaty. In this light, we are paying close attention to the bilateral talks between both countries on the post Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) arrangements. Moreover, it is imperative that these efforts to reduce nuclear arms proceed transparently. Japan recognizes the series of efforts, including the announcement in December last year by the U.S. government of a reduction in its nuclear weapons stockpile, as positive developments for transparency. We hope all the nuclear-weapon States make specific presentations on their additional progress towards nuclear disarmament during this year’s discussions in the CD.

Furthermore, as a transitional measure, until the total elimination of nuclear weapons is realized, the nuclear-weapon States need to reduce the operational status of their nuclear weapons in a way that promotes international stability and security in order to lessen the risk of accidental nuclear war.

Mr. Coordinator,

The early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) is also crucial as a step towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons, and Japan has been actively working to encourage the countries that have yet to ratify the Treaty. With this in mind, Japan would like to commend the Governments of the Republic of Columbia and Malaysia for their recent ratification of the CTBT. Notably, because of Columbia’s ratification, the number of Annex 2 countries has now dropped into single digits, with only nine countries remaining. We again strongly urge the countries that have yet to sign and/or ratify the Treaty, especially the nine Annex 2 countries, to do so without delay. In addition, pending the entry into force of the CTBT, it is important for the nuclear-weapon States and States that are not party to the NPT to respect the moratorium on nuclear test explosions.

Mr. Coordinator,

A treaty banning the production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices (FMCT), which will serve as the quantitative cap to nuclear weapons, is an important nuclear disarmament measure and one on which the CD this year should commence negotiations. I would like to point out once more that, even though we were unable to reach a consensus on the programme of work last year after coming so close to agreement, no country in the course of discussions expressly opposed the negotiation mandate on an FMCT itself. Nonetheless, in the event that the CD does not immediately reach consensus on the mandate, deepening discussions on the substance of an FMCT is always meaningful. I have been appointed coordinator for Agenda Item 1 and 2, with a general focus on the prohibition of the production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, as presented by the President, Ambassador Labidi, this morning. I call on all CD Member States to contribute proactively to the discussions on an FMCT.

Finally, long-term efforts for nuclear disarmament are essential, and Japan recognizes disarmament and non-proliferation education as significant and effective for this purpose. We have been promoting disarmament and non-proliferation education through many kinds of educational activities. Japan believes that it is important for disarmament and non-proliferation education to be disseminated around the world, and we encourage, once again, each country to continue their efforts in this area. Furthermore, Japan would like to express its great admiration for the activities of civil society in the area of nuclear disarmament, including disarmament and non-proliferation education, and pledges to continue our close cooperation.

Thank you Mr. Coordinator

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