STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. MARI AMANO

AMBASSADOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF JAPAN

TO THE CONFERENCE ON DISARMAMENT

 

THE 1281^TH PLENARY MEETING　OF THE CONFERENCE ON DISARMAMENT

“Nuclear Disarmament”

GENEVA, 5 MARCH 2013

 

Madame President,

  First of all, I thank you, Ambassador MEHTA, for preparing this occasion to have a debate on the issue of “Nuclear Disarmament.” To take advantage of this opportunity, I would like to briefly reiterate Japan’s position on this issue.

 

Madame President,

  Achieving a world without nuclear weapons is a goal that Japan strongly strives to create. In order for it to become a reality, it is necessary to consider the particular characteristics of nuclear weapons; such as their overwhelming destructive power, their possession by a limited number of states, and the substantial dependence on them for the security of states. Given these characteristics as well as the ongoing various challenges to the peace and security of the international community, Japan believes that practical and effective measures should be taken in a progressive manner. In this regard, we are willing to participate, with a longer perspective, in discussions on how a multilateral nuclear disarmament framework or a nuclear weapons convention should appear in the final phase of nuclear disarmament. At the same time, we recognize the FMCT as the next logical step to be accomplished on the path to the elimination of nuclear weapons. We therefore believe that, for the Conference on Disarmament, it is suitable to resume its substantive work by commencing negotiations on the FMCT in order to draw us closer to our shared ultimate destination. I hope that constructive and pragmatic discussions will take place in the forthcoming open-ended working group to that end.

 

Madame President,

   I also need to emphasize the importance of the CTBT. Elevating this de-facto international norm into a legally binding status will contribute both to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Japan, therefore calls upon all countries that have not yet ratified it, especially those listed in the Annex II, to do so as soon as possible. Furthermore, we urge all the states possessing nuclear weapons to maintain existing moratoriums on testing and call upon all states to refrain from any tests pending the entry into force of the Treaty.

 

Madame President,

   Before ending my intervention, allow me to stress also the significance of the NPT. Its Second Preparatory Committee will take place here in Geneva from 22^nd April. Also as an NPDI member, Japan has always promoted the steady implementation of this Treaty and looks forward to finding progress in fulfilling the 2010 Action Plan as a huge pragmatic effort in this field.

 

I thank you, Madame President.