Statement by Ambassador Mr. Toshiro OZAWA on Cluster 2 at the First Preparatory Committee for the 2015 Review Conference for the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)

Mr. Chairman,

At the last NPT Review Conference in 2010, it was recognized that the inalienable right of all the parties to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes constitutes one of the fundamental objectives of the Treaty. At the same time, to our deep regret, the challenges of nuclear proliferation continue to persist in several regions. This being the case, Japan believes that robust counter-proliferation efforts are needed by the international community as a whole so that we can promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy while minimizing the threats posed by nuclear proliferation. This is why Japan supports the strengthening of the IAEA safeguards system and of export controls and also the regional efforts to establish nuclear-weapon-free zones.

Mr. Chairman,

The IAEA safeguards system is the fundamental element in the global non-proliferation regime. It underpins the international security environment and provides the basis for nuclear cooperation. Japan will continue to promote the universalization of the comprehensive safeguards agreement and the additional protocol. The full implementation of these instruments will provide credible assurances regarding the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities, and thus enhance transparency and build confidence.

Japan is fully committed to the working paper submitted to this Prep Com by NPDI (Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative) on this matter and welcomes other states supporting the elements of this working paper.

Japan, recalling Actions 28 and 29 agreed at the last NPT Review Conference in 2010, welcomes the fact that the number of states with the additional protocol in force increased from 101 to 115 in the two years after that Conference. Japan highly values the efforts made by the IAEA in this regard. The trend showing such wider adherence to the additional protocols makes it more convincing than ever that the IAEA safeguards reinforced by the additional protocol should be the safeguards standard in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article III of the NPT. Japan calls on all states to apply this safeguards standard (i.e. a comprehensive safeguards agreement reinforced by an additional protocol) as a condition for their supply of nuclear material, equipment and technology to the recipient country, and to incorporate this condition in their civil nuclear cooperation agreements. Such actions will lead to a more secure and safer world.

Japan will continue to assist other states in their efforts to conclude the additional protocol by sharing our own knowledge and experiences and by working together with the IAEA and other states.

Japan, recalling Action 30 of the last Review Conference, supports the widest possible application of IAEA safeguards to peaceful nuclear facilities in the nuclear weapon states to ensure irreversible and verifiable removal of nuclear material designated by them as no longer required for military purposes.

Japan remains supportive of the ongoing effort by the IAEA Secretariat to continue to improve efficiency and effectiveness in safeguards implementation through the use of a State-level approach. In addition, Japan reemphasizes the importance of wider application of the integrated safeguards and hopes that such safeguards will be applied to as many states as possible.

Japan considers it imperative, as agreed in Action 33 of the last NPT Review Conference, that all States provide support to the IAEA so that the IAEA is able to maintain sufficient capabilities to fully discharge its responsibilities in an effective and efficient manner.

Mr. Chairman,

Export controls play a critical role in meeting the nuclear non-proliferation obligations prescribed in paragraph 2 of Article III of the NPT. Given the necessity of counter-terrorism measures and the increasing complexity of illicit procurement activities, the strengthening of export control systems has become an urgent matter for all of us. In this context, Japan urges all State parties to establish and implement effective export controls to prevent the illicit transfer of nuclear and nuclear-related dual-use materials, equipment and technologies. Japan will continue to actively assist other states in their efforts to strengthen export control systems through information sharing and capacity building activities such as through the Asian Export Control Seminar held annually in Japan since 1993.

Japan encourages State parties to refer to, and align with the multilaterally negotiated and agreed guidelines and understandings on export controls. Japan is of the view that states that utilize and align with the existing guidelines such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group Guidelines and the Zangger Committee Trigger List, actually find merit in enhancing their export transparency and competitiveness.

Mr. Chairman,

Ensuring proactive cooperation among all State parties is a key element in effectively countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including proliferation to non-state actors. To this end, Japan underlines the importance of fully implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540, and will continue to support its smooth implementation through the work of the UNSCR 1540 committee, and through engagement in various regional seminars and workshops.

Mr. Chairman,

Regarding the establishment of further nuclear-weapon-free zones, as called for in Action 9 of the 2010 NPT Final Document, Japan believes that this should be pursued on the basis of arrangements freely arrived at among States of the region concerned, and in accordance with the 1999 Guidelines of the United Nations Disarmament Commission. The establishment of such zones does contribute to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and global and regional peace and security.  In this connection, Japan welcomes the fact that intensive talks were held in New York recently between the five nuclear-weapon states and the ASEAN countries on the ratification of the protocol of the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon Free Zone.

Japan also supports the Resolution on the Middle East and efforts made by Mr. Jaakko Laajava, the facilitator for the conference on the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction. The Japanese delegation will make a separate statement on this important issue tomorrow.

Thank you.