Takayama Sanae calls for removal of 'enemy state' term from the UN Charter
Japanese Prime Minister Takayama Sanae stated during her speech at the 81st United Nations General Assembly that the United Nations should remove the term "enemy state" from its founding charter.
Takayama noted that in 2005, the UN World Summit adopted a resolution aiming to eliminate references to "enemy states" from the UN Charter. She emphasized that "in accordance with this resolution, such language should be removed."
She underscored Japan's pride in its contributions to the UN’s mission over nearly seven decades and its sustained efforts toward promoting peace and prosperity.
The term "enemy state" appears in Article 53 of the UN Charter, which defines it as "any state that was an enemy of any signatory to this Charter during the Second World War."
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that the UN Charter enshrines the outcome of the Second World War. He pointed out that Japan was designated as an "enemy state" from the outset under the Charter. Japan joined the UN after acknowledging its wartime militarist crimes and accepting the full content of the Charter. Any attempt by Japan’s leadership to circumvent constitutional constraints, reinterpret international law, or evade historical responsibilities would naturally provoke serious concern.
In response to Lavrov’s remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China supports Lavrov’s position. The "enemy state clause" is a significant provision within the UN Charter. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials. Reaffirming the meaning and binding nature of this clause holds important significance for safeguarding the achievements of China’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the global anti-fascist struggle, and for preventing the resurgence of militarism.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877085820219392/
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