Japanese minister Okada chairs U.N. debate on peace building+

NEW YORK, April 16 Kyodo -
Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada on Friday chaired a U.N. Security
Council debate on peace building in post-conflict countries in an effort to
boost Tokyo's role in supporting conflict-torn countries.
In a speech at the outset of the debate at the U.N. headquarters in New York,
Okada said, ''I believe a key to the solution is that people have hope for the
future after conflicts.''
It is the first time a Japanese foreign minister is attending a U.N. Security
Council meeting as chair.
Japan is the current rotating president of the 15-member U.N. Security Council.
The meeting is attended by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, Afghan Foreign
Minister Zalmai Rassoul and ministers from countries known for their
peace-building efforts -- East Timor and Sierra Leone, as well as Bosnia and
Herzegovina.
When it comes to peace building, it is important for parties concerned to
implement a peace agreement with a strong will, Okada said.
He also said it is necessary to make sure that those who were affected by
conflicts receive basic services and feel the results of peace to stem the
vicious cycle of social instability and the recurrence of conflicts.
Noting that youth unemployment has become a common problem in many
post-conflict countries, Okada proposed placing high priority on creating jobs
for young generations.
To address peace building in the long term, Okada said it is necessary to
secure sustainable funds.
Managing Director of the World Bank Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former Nigerian
foreign minister, is also attending the session.
The U.N. Security Council presidency is held on a rotating basis by council
members for one calendar month. U.N. Security Council presidents often choose
to hold open debates on topics that are high on the diplomatic agendas of the
countries, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry's press release.
==Kyodo