Statement by the Japanese Delegation at the Forty-Forth Session of Working Group B of the Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO

Thank you, Mr. Chairman,

Thank you to the Executive Secretary, Dr. Lassina Zerbo, for his comprehensive statement.

[Establishment and Strengthening of the Verification Regime]

Let me first point out that, it is essential for the CTBTO to show “operational readiness” of its verification regime, which would effectively increase momentum for early entry into force of the Treaty.

Last year, the Integrated Field Exercise 2014 (IFE14) was successfully conducted in Jordan, and we highly value its success. Now it is important to share the lessons learnt from the IFE14, and to make the best use of the lessons, in constructive discussions on OSI issues in upcoming WGB sessions. In this regard, we have high expectations for the upcoming OSI workshops and the external evaluation of the IFE14.

We appreciate the steady progress in the PTS’ undertakings in the establishment and certification of IMS stations over the past 18 years. Those include the noble gas observation facility in Takasaki, Japan, which was certified last year.

We are hoping for a steady progress in the installation and certification of IMS stations through coordinated efforts by State Signatories and the PTS.

We appreciate the progress made towards the readiness of transition of the progressive commissioning plan from phase 5a to phase 5b. We welcome the success of the test in which authentication was attached to the data and products by the PTS, and look forward to the fulfilment of the remaining requirements.

We hope to see further efforts by States Signatories and the PTS to improve data availability. In particular, the improvement in data availability of radionuclide monitoring stations is an important issue to work on.

Regarding IDC products, we would welcome their timely uploads to the Secure Web Site as promptly as possible.

The issue of the Equipment Storage and Maintenance Facility is important as it may concern all States Signatories. In order to find the most suitable option in a timely manner, the relevant parties need to be provided with adequate information and to make efforts to resolve the issue.

[Capacity Building]

Mr. Chairman,

We have high expectations for the CTBT: Science and Technology 2015 conference (SnT2015) in June. The conference will offer us an excellent opportunity to share experiences in the scientific and civil applications of IMS data.

We believe that it is very useful to share expertise and information among NDCs within the same region. In this regard, we welcome the success of the East Asia Regional National Data Centre Workshop in Mongolia last summer.

Earlier this year, Japan once again held the annual JICA Global Seismic Observation Training Course. This Course offers support for capacity building not only of State Signatories but also of non-State Signatories. We believe this support will eventually contribute to the early entry into force of the treaty. Our delegation appreciates the PTS for its assistance in conducting this training course.

[Conclusion]

Mr. Chairman,

Our delegation calls for concerted efforts of State Signatories and the PTS in view of overcoming the remaining technical challenges such as completing the operational manuals, and is ready to engage in substantial discussion at this WGB session.

Finally, taking this opportunity, our delegation would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Hein Haak for his excellent chairmanship of WGB, and to extend our heartfelt welcome to Dr. Joachim Schulze as incoming Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.