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United Nations

Japan's Bid for UN Security Council Seat Gains Momentum as Secretary-General Encourages Support

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

U.N. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali has urged Japan's former prime ministers to champion the country's bid for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council, citing Tokyo's qualifications and potential role as a nonmilitary contributor. The three former premiers, Yasuhiro Nakasone, Tsutomu Hata, and Morihiro Hosokawa, have long been supporters of Japan's campaign to join the permanent council members, including the United States, Russia, China, France, and Britain. Meanwhile, Japan plans to send 470 troops on a mission to help Rwandan refugees, marking its largest overseas military venture since the U.N.-sponsored elections in Cambodia.

Key Takeaways:

  • U.N. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali has encouraged Japan's former prime ministers to support Tokyo's bid for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council.
  • Japan's government has agreed to declare its candidacy for a permanent seat on the Council, but stressed it would play only a nonmilitary role.
  • The three-party ruling coalition believes Japan is better qualified to joining the five current permanent council members than many other potential candidates.
  • Boutros-Ghali is scheduled to meet with current Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama on Tuesday before ending his four-day visit.
  • Many of Japan's people are showing little enthusiasm for the council bid, with about four dozen protesters from non-governmental organizations demonstrating outside the Foreign Ministry on Monday.
  • The debate on the issue has focused on whether joining the council would move Japan toward violating its war-renouncing Constitution through participation in U.N. peace-keeping operations.

Statistics:

  • 470: The number of troops Japan plans to send on a mission to help Rwandan refugees.
  • 5: The number of current permanent council members with veto power over council decisions, including the United States, Russia, China, France, and Britain.
  • 4 days: The duration of U.N. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali's visit to Japan.
  • 4 dozen: The number of protesters from non-governmental organizations demonstrating outside the Foreign Ministry on Monday.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, Sept. 13, 1993, Tokyo: U.N. Secretary-General Urges Japan's Ex-Premiers on Permanent Seat Bid.

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