Statement by H.E.
Mr. Mari Amano
Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Japan to
the Conference on Disarmament
At the Second Session of
the Preparatory Committee
for the 2015
Review Conference of NPT
- Cluster II Specific Issue-
Geneva, 30 April 2013
Mr.
Chairman,
Japan
emphasizes the significant role of the NPT in promoting regional security. We
believe that achieving our common goal of non-proliferation through effective
implementation and universalization of the Treaty is critically
important for maintaining and strengthening regional stability. This objective,
however, is gravely challenged by cases of non-compliance with the Treaty or IAEA
safeguards obligations in certain regions, which cause serious concern for all
of us.
Mr.
Chairman,
The
DPRK’s nuclear programme poses a serious challenge to
the NPT regime. Japan reiterates its grave concern over the fact that the DPRK
continues its nuclear and missile programmes,
including uranium enrichment activities, in violation of the relevant United
Nations Security Council Resolutions and the September 2005 Joint Statement of
the Six-Party Talks. These programmes and activities
pose serious threats to the peace and stability of the region and the entire
international community.
Japan
condemns in the strongest terms the nuclear test by the DPRK on 12 February,
which, together with its pursuit of enhanced ballistic missile capability,
gravely undermines the peace and security in the region and around the world.
The nuclear test is a clear violation of the relevant United Nations Security
Council Resolutions. In this context, Japan appreciates that the Security
Council adopted Resolution 2094 condemning the nuclear test and establishing measures
to add and strengthen sanctions. Japan also expresses concern over the recent
announcement by the DPRK that it intends to restart its nuclear facilities in Yongbyon.
Japan
strongly urges the DPRK to sincerely heed the strong warnings and condemnation
repeatedly expressed by the international community and to comply faithfully
and fully with the relevant Security Council Resolutions stipulating that: the
DPRK shall abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs in a
complete, verifiable and irreversible manner and immediately cease all related
activities; it shall act strictly in accordance with the obligations applicable
to parties under the NPT and the terms and conditions of the IAEA Safeguards
Agreement; it shall provide the IAEA transparency measures extending beyond
these requirements, including such access to individuals, documentation,
equipment and facilities as may be required and deemed necessary by the IAEA. Japan
strongly urges the DPRK to take concrete actions towards denuclearisation
and to refrain from any further provocative acts.
Mr.
Chairman,
In
order to fully enjoy the right of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, it is
extremely important for Iran to restore international confidence in the
exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. Japan urges Iran to take actions in
accordance with the relevant resolutions of the IAEA Board of Governors and the
UN Security Council without further delay. Japan also urges Iran to cooperate
fully with the IAEA to resolve all outstanding issues, including possible
military dimensions to its nuclear programme. It is very
disappointing that no tangible results have been achieved despite the
intensified dialogue between the IAEA and Iran for more than one year in this
regard, and Japan calls on Iran to engage with the IAEA with sincerity and good
faith without delay. Japan strongly hopes that Iran’s nuclear issues will be
resolved peacefully through diplomacy and encourages Iran to take constructive
actions on those issues. In this connection, Japan welcomes the talks resumed between
the EU3+3 and Iran, and expects that substantial progress will be made toward
building confidence.
Mr. Chairman,
On South Asia, Japan
continues to urge India and Pakistan to accede to the NPT as non-nuclear-weapon
States promptly and without conditions. We believe that all States that have
yet to accede to the NPT and possess nuclear weapons should take practical
disarmament measures in support of the NPT. We note that Japan and India share
the goal of achieving a world free of nuclear weapons. In this context, we continue
to urge India to maintain its commitment to the moratorium on nuclear tests,
and to sign and ratify the CTBT. Japan also urges India to maintain and advance
the series of commitments and actions in the field of non-proliferation. Japan also
continues to urge Pakistan to maintain the moratorium on nuclear tests, to sign
and ratify the CTBT, and to continue its efforts to further strengthen its
export controls. Japan strongly urges Pakistan to join the
other 64 CD Member States in agreeing to the immediate commencement of
negotiations on FMCT in the Conference on Disarmament. In the meantime, Japan encourages both India
and Pakistan to declare a moratorium on the production of fissile material for all
nuclear weapons and nuclear explosive devices.
Thank you.
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