Statement by H.E. Mr. Akio Suda

Ambassador of Japan to the Conference on Disarmament

Thank you Mr. President.

Thank you for your very kind words and condolences to Japan and the moment of silence.

As a result of the unprecedented 9.0-magnitude earthquake that struck the north-east coast of Japan last Friday, hundreds of thousands of evacuated people in Japan are now experiencing immense suffering and hardship.

Yet, despite this catastrophe, Japan does not feel alone. On behalf of the government and the people of Japan, I would like to express our highest appreciation for the many warm words and sincere offers of help extended to us. The Government of Japan has already received assistance from many countries, international organizations and friends.

In spite of the enormous loses and continuing difficulties, the Government of Japan is working to the utmost extent to protect the public and to keep damage to the minimum possible. We are also taking every possible measure for ensuring the safety of and providing support to the diplomatic corps and foreign people in Japan, including temporary visitors from overseas.

Mr. President, I would like to briefly touch upon the situation concerning the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plants, which should be of great concern to many delegations.

When the earthquake occurred last Friday, operations in all 3 reactors were automatically shut down. However, due to the destruction of the cooling systems, which was mainly caused by an extremely high tsunami, the temperature inside the reactors started to rise and remained at a relatively high level. In addition, other problems have occurred related to the heating up of the spent fuel pools in some of the reactor buildings.

Our experts and workers are continuing to tackle the cooling of the residual heat of the reactors by pouring sea water into them. This operation is ongoing, and with regards to the problem of the spent fuel, Japanese Self-Defense Forces are trying to pour water from the ground and from the air.

Inevitably there have been some leaks of radiation. On March 12, the government directed people living within a 20 km radius of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear power plant to evacuate. Further, on March 15, the government directed people living in the 20 to 30 km radius from the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant to stay indoors. These are the measures to ensure the safety of the local citizens just in case the situation worsens.

Despite the continuing conditions of some of the reactors and spent fuel, the authorities are making every possible effort to cool down the reactors and spent fuel pools in order to prevent further deterioration. The Government of Japan considers that it is essential to provide timely and accurate information to not only the people of Japan, but also to the international community. In this respect, we are providing updated information as much as possible to the international community through announcements to the media and via diplomatic channels.

Mr. President, on Sunday Prime Minister Kan said this earthquake, tsunami and nuclear incident have been the biggest crisis for Japan in the 65 years since the end of the Second World War. But, I hope that through the efforts of our people and the strong assistance of the international community Japan will overcome this crisis.

Again, I thank all of you for your sincere support extended to the people of Japan.

Thank you very much Mr. President.