June 14, 2024
Thank you, Mr. President.
I thank High Representative Nakamitsu and the other briefer for their briefings.
As we all know, it is a malicious, shameful hypocrisy that an aggressor, a permanent member of the Security Council, is criticizing a victim. This has led to this body not being able to adequately address this issue, which is a major threat to international peace and security.
We wish to repeat with 100% clarity－ it is Russia that initiated this war of aggression in violation of the UN Charter. No matter what excuses Russia might make, Russia will never be able to justify any of its illegal actions against Ukraine, nor undermine Ukraine’s legitimate right to defend itself.
For the majority of the international community, it is nothing but natural to provide continuous, legitimate support for Ukraine as it fights for its survival, its sovereignty, and its territorial integrity.
We are totally appalled in hearing Russia’s rationale for calling today’s meeting, as it is Russia itself who, in blatant violation of Security Council resolutions, has been procuring and using North Koreans artilleries including ballistic missiles in Ukraine, taking a tremendous toll on people living there.
It is also deeply regrettable that Russia’s veto to block the renewal of the mandate of panel of experts makes it easier for Russia and North Korea to evade the UN sanctions.
Mr. President,
Russia has demonstrated diplomatic creativity in attempting to obscure the undeniable fact of its aggression. However, it cannot pardon itself. Russia has been strongly condemned not only by the majority of the Council members but by the international community at large, as repeatedly reflected in General Assembly resolutions.
In this regard, we once again strongly urge Russia to stop squandering the Council’s precious time and resources by automatically requesting a Security Council meeting as a counter to another, as well as using such meetings as a forum for propaganda and disinformation. Such a misuse of the Council only devalues the Council itself, which benefits nobody including the Russian Federation.
Mr. President,
The necessary elements of peace in Ukraine have been clear from the beginning and remain so. The violation of the UN Charter must be rectified immediately. We are proudly committed to the Peace Formula and strongly support the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, which begins tomorrow and Japan will be represented by Prime Minister.
There can be no just and lasting peace without Ukraine.
Pursuing “neutrality” between the aggressor and the victim, while treating both as if they are on an equal footing, should not be the goal. Such an approach, even in a good will, only benefits the aggressor, Russia.
Let me conclude my statement by reiterating the words of the General Assembly resolution adopted March 2, 2022 by an overwhelming majority vote－ I quote “Deplores in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of Article 2 (4) of the Charter;” and “Also demands that the Russian Federation immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.” End quote.
Today, we are honored to reaffirm Japan’s position, which aligns with the overwhelming majority of the international community, and which is moral, principled, and just.
I thank you.