Japan loses support

October 28, 2017

FM Kono points to security environment after Japan anti-nuke resolution loses support

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20171028/p2a/00m/0na/013000c#cxrecs_s

Foreign Minister Taro Kono has pointed to the impact of differing security environments among non-nuclear states as one factor behind the reduced support for a Japan-backed United Nations resolution calling for the elimination of atomic arms.

• 【Related】Japan's antinuke resolution passes, but support down from past years
• 【Related】Japan criticized for toned-down UN draft resolution on nukes
• 【Related】A-bomb survivors rap PM Abe for Japan's snub of nuke weapons ban treaty

The resolution, which Japan has submitted annually for 24 years, was passed by the U.N. General Assembly's First Committee on Oct. 27, but by 23 fewer nations than the 2016 version.

The shift in support "is a manifestation of the differences not just between nuclear and non-nuclear states, but in the positions among non-nuclear states as well, based on their security environment," Kono said in a statement released after the vote. He also emphasized that Japan "sought to provide common ground that would allow all countries to renew their commitment towards nuclear disarmament efforts."

Kono did not comment on the resolution's lack of any reference to the U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons passed in July.