First
Session of the Preparatory Committee
for the 2015 Review
Conference of the Parties to the Treaty
on the
Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)
- Cluster 2 Specific Issues: -
Regional Issues, including with respect to the Middle
East and implementation of the 1995 Middle East Resolution
Vienna, 8 May 2012
Mr. Chairman,
Thank you very much for giving me the
floor during this focused debate on the issue of the Middle East and
implementation of the 1995 Middle East Resolution.
Mr. Chairman,
Japan views that the
establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all other
weapons of mass destruction would greatly enhance the integrity and
sustainability of the NPT. We are also
cognizant of the historical intricacies of this issue with the indefinite
extension of the NPT in 1995.
The agreement reached at
the 2010 NPT Review Conference to hold a conference in 2012 on this issue was a
milestone achievement in the history of the NPT. We welcome the appointment of H.E. Ambassador Jaako Laajava as the facilitator and
commend his strenuous efforts to ensure the success of the conference.
Needless to say it is
important that the 2012 Conference be represented by all the states of the
region and the three depository states as the sponsoring states of the 1995
Middle East Resolution. However, all the
States Parties, whether states of the region or not, have a stake in the
implementation of the Middle East Resolution. We believe that states outside the region can
also make contribution to the success of the conference as well as to the goal
of the establishment of a WMD-free zone in the Middle East.
Mr. Chairman,
Given the complex
political reality on the ground in the region, we have no illusion about the immediate
establishment of such a zone. Rather, it
will surely require a long and pain-staking process. To begin with we should try to find practical
steps that contribute to confidence building within the region.
In this regard, Japan
stands ready to support the work of the facilitator. As such, we are considering devoting one of
the sessions to this issue at the Global Forum on Disarmament and
Non-Proliferation Education, which we will hold this year from 10 to 11 August in
Nagasaki in cooperation with the United Nations University.
Mr. Chairman,
In conclusion, let me
reiterate that Japan will spare no effort in providing whatever assistance and
cooperation necessary in support of the implementation of the 1995 Resolution
on the Middle East.
I thank you, Mr.
Chairman.