Japan’s Foreign Minister, KAMIKAWA Yoko said on Friday it’s regrettable that the United States vetoed the ceasefire resolution proposal extended to the UNSC and emphasized the need to reform the security council to reflect the new realities in today’s world.

 

In light of what many Palestinians are branding as an Israeli genocide against them, the UNSC received a proposal put forward by the United Arab Emirates with backing of over 90 Member States for an immediate and lasting humanitarian ceasefire. Secretary-General António Guterres said that conditions for delivery of humanitarian aid no longer existed emphasizing that both Palestinian and Israeli civilians must be protected but the US vetoed the resolution.

“Japan supported the UAE-proposed Security Council resolution, which was voted on Dec. 8, local time. As a result, it is regrettable that the resolution was not adopted,” Kamikawa said in a press conference replying to a question from Arab News Japan.

The foreign minister said that the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East were indicative of issues facing the Security Council and highlighted the importance of reform that reflected each country’s interests. She admitted this was complicated but said that Japan will continue to persevere in cooperation with other countries.

“Since taking office in September this year, I have consistently emphasized the importance of Security Council reform on various occasions. The world has changed dramatically since the United Nations was established, and a Security Council which reflects the current world is necessary,” Kamikawa stressed.