STATEMENT BY MR. HIROYUKI YAMAMOTO

MINISTER, DELEGATION OF JAPAN

TO THE CONFERENCE ON DISARMAMENT

THE 1283^RD PLENARY MEETING　OF THE CONFERENCE ON DISARMAMENT

“Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space”

GENEVA, 19, MARCH 2013

Mr. President,

First of all, allow me to congratulate you on your assumption of the Presidency of the Conference on Disarmament. My delegation assures you full support and cooperation under your presidency. Today, I would like to briefly state Japan’s view on the Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS).

Mr. President,

Although outer space seems distant from us, today, people are closely tied to it in their everyday life. Currently, our world relies heavily on the use of space-based services. Due to recent remarkable technological progress, our dependence has increased and the number and variety of users are growing. Therefore, enhancing international efforts that aims to assure peaceful and sustainable uses of outer space is a matter of significance. In this connection, Japan is committed to comprehensively examining and discussing various issues related to the Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space. With regard to the draft Treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space (PPWT), presented by China and Russia, we consider that there are a number of issues that need to be carefully examined.

In parallel, to begin with feasible measures, Japan is actively contributing to the development of an International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities. The draft Code of Conduct proposed by the EU would regulate both civil and security aspects, including a variety of Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures (TCBMs). We consider it a suitable gateway for further development of international rules. To broaden the participation of states in the process, we have been conducting outreach activities by using bilateral and multilateral occasions, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition, the 2^nd round of the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on TCBMs in Outer Space Activities will be held in Geneva next month. Japan pays close attention to the work of this GGE. We look forward to its continued constructive discussions and ready for making concrete input. The UNIDIR Space Security Conference will also be held in Geneva next month. Japan recognizes the value in this initiative and is willing to continue our contributions.

Mr. President,

Finally, I would like to conclude my statement by emphasizing the necessity of space debris mitigation measures as a future urgent issue. Space debris is an actual threat to any type of entity conducting any kind of activity in space. This obstacle should be addressed together by the entire international community. We therefore regard it necessary to examine possible measures to effectively ban ASAT that affects the safe operation of satellites. This is an issue worthy of consideration, in order to prevent the creation of further space debris.

Japan will continue to be actively engaged in the international dialogue to establish international norms. For space development and use of space, we follow norms such as the UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines. We will intensify our efforts in the field of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and in developing space debris removal technology. As such, Japan is committed to securing a safe space environment.

I thank you, Mr. President.