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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi delivered an address at the 57th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, held at the Headquarters of the United Nations in New York.
Prime Minister Koizumi in his address stated, "In order to ensure world peace and prosperity, we need to harmonize a range of efforts which encompass not only military measures but also initiatives for the solution of poverty problems and the establishment of social infrastructures that will put an end to human rights violations. The United Nations should be a forum where the contributions of each and every state are consolidated and implemented in the most efficient manner. No single state or organization can accomplish this. Only the United Nations is capable of carrying out such a lofty task."
Furthermore, Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his view that the adoption of a new U.N. resolution is necessary in order to make Iraq accept inspections of weapons of mass destruction. In regard to (1) the fight against terrorism, (2) the consolidation of peace and nation-building, (3) the simultaneous achievement of environmental protection and development and (4) nuclear disarmament, the Prime Minister indicated how Japan could contribute, and asserted that to tackle these issues, reform of the U.N. including enlargement of the Security Council and elimination of the enemy state clauses was essential. After the speech, leaders attending the conference formed a long line to greet Prime Minister Koizumi.
Afterward, the Prime Minister attended a press conference and expressed his view in regard to the issue of Iraq. He also stated that, in a summit meeting between Japan and North Korea to be held on September 17 with General Secretary Kim Jong Il, with a view to normalize relations between the two countries as quickly as possible, he intends to discuss on the issues including the cases of the alleged abduction of Japanese nationals, the issue of weapons of mass destruction and nuclear issues.
Prime Minister Koizumi departed for Japan the same evening.
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