Statement by H.E. Mr. Sumio Tarui

Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Japan

to the Conference on Disarmament

(CD/1863)

Geneva, 26 May 2009

Mr. President,

My country would first like to convey its gratitude to the past P6 for making efforts to coordinate and revitalize the work of the Conference, as well as submitting the L.1 package and CD/1840. Our discussions of the past few years on these proposals have formed the basis of the draft decision submitted by this year’s P6 under the initiative of the Algerian president. In this connection, allow me to express my delegation’s high praise to the six presidents of 2009 for their patient and sustained consultations which have led to the tabling of this promising document before us.

Mr. President,

In line with the purpose of today’s plenary, I will now detail Japan’s views on document CD/1863. The key difference in our opinion between documents CD/1840 and CD/1863 is that FMCT negotiations under the former are to be conducted without any preconditions, while the latter aims to negotiate a verifiable FMCT. Effective verification may indeed present difficult technical issues. Nevertheless, Japan’s position has been consistent on this issue and we have submitted a working paper suggesting possible ways for verification in an FMCT (CD/1774). Hence, we welcome negotiations that seek a verifiable treaty.

For promoting disarmament, it is a logical necessity that discussions on each issue of the CD agenda should advance independently, and it is inappropriate to impede areas that have potential for progress just because one specific issue area is advancing at a slower pace. Having said this, though, document CD/1863 is comprehensive and balanced in our view since it allows for the substantive discussion of the three other core issues in subsidiary bodies with a focus on the possibility of their future negotiation.

Therefore, Japan would like to express its acceptance of the current proposal and to strongly call upon all the other countries to join the consensus.

On the other hand, even if we commence negotiations on an FMCT this year, their conclusion within the 2009 session cannot be considered realistic. Even though Japan is ready to start negotiations anytime, it may be an idea to agree this year to a negotiating mandate and a work schedule for the sessions from next year and beyond.

What is important for strengthening international nuclear disarmament, Mr. President, is to produce and enter into force an FMCT as quickly as possible. As such, we should find some way for maintaining negotiations until their conclusion. Although Rule 28 of the Rules of Procedure stipulates that “the Conference at the beginning of its annual session shall establish its programme of work”, we believe this does not necessarily exclude the possibility of the CD making a consensus decision to carry over this year’s agreement on a programme of work into the next, and continuing negotiations until their conclusion. This way we can continue the negotiations under the same mandate to their finalization. Alternatively, as a more practical solution, we could include in the annual report the Conference’s intention or strong expectation to carry over this year’s program of work to next year.

Thank you Mr. President.