STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. TOSHIO SANO AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF JAPAN TO THE CONFERENCE ON DISARMAMENT

The 1373^rd Plenary Meeting of the Conference on Disarmament

Geneva, 9^th February 2016

Mr. President,

On February 7^th, the DPRK launched a ballistic missile again, which it calls a “satellite.” The international community, including Japan, has repeatedly and strongly urged the DPRK to fully comply with relevant UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) among others, and refrain from any provocation including nuclear tests or ballistic missiles launches.

Nevertheless, the DPRK went ahead with the launch following the nuclear test of January 6^th. This series of provocation in a short-range of time gravely undermines the peace and stability of Northeast Asia, and the international community. It is a serious violation of UNSCR 2094 which obligates the DPRK not to conduct any launches using ballistic missile technology, as well as other relevant UNSCRs. This action is not only a violation of the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, but also against the spirit of the Joint-Statement of the Six Party Talks of September 2005. Therefore, it is totally unacceptable for Japan, and Japan lodges a serious protest and strongly condemns the DPRK.

Following the recent nuclear test, the UN Security Council is currently undergoing consultations towards the adoption of a new resolution. In UNSCR 2094, the Council expressed its determination to take further significant measures in the event of a further launch by the DPRK. In accordance with the resolution, Japan will do its utmost, as a member of the Security Council, through close coordination with relevant countries to adopt a strong resolution as soon as possible.

Mr. President,

Japan, once again, strongly urges the DPRK to immediately and fully implement the relevant UNSCRs.

I thank you.