Outcry of criticism in Hiroshima: "Japan is extending a hand to nuclear proliferation"
Jun. 28, 2010
by Staff Writers
On June 25, the Japanese government revealed its policy of concluding an agreement for cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy with India, a non-signatory to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) which possesses nuclear weapons. The announcement stirred an outcry of criticism in Hiroshima, including such remarks as "This move is incomprehensible" and "Is the Japanese government only paying lip service to its appeal for nuclear abolition?"
Sunao Tsuboi, 85, chairman of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-bomb Sufferers Organizations, commented, "India has declared its possession of nuclear weapons in violation of international rules. Making an effort to integrate India into the NPT regime is the right course for Japan to take." Kazushi Kaneko, 84, chairman of the other faction of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-bomb Sufferers Organizations, also expressed his indignation, saying, "The government's stance of appealing for the elimination of nuclear weapons through its words but condoning these weapons through its actions has become apparent."
Haruko Moritaki, 71, co-director of the Hiroshima Alliance for Nuclear Weapons Abolition (HANWA), reacted against the policy, saying, "Abandoning the responsibility of the A-bombed nation and prioritizing economic benefits is a betrayal of the A-bombed cities. It is like Japan is lending a hand to nuclear proliferation."
(Originally published on June 26, 2010)
On June 25, the Japanese government revealed its policy of concluding an agreement for cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy with India, a non-signatory to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) which possesses nuclear weapons. The announcement stirred an outcry of criticism in Hiroshima, including such remarks as "This move is incomprehensible" and "Is the Japanese government only paying lip service to its appeal for nuclear abolition?"
Sunao Tsuboi, 85, chairman of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-bomb Sufferers Organizations, commented, "India has declared its possession of nuclear weapons in violation of international rules. Making an effort to integrate India into the NPT regime is the right course for Japan to take." Kazushi Kaneko, 84, chairman of the other faction of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-bomb Sufferers Organizations, also expressed his indignation, saying, "The government's stance of appealing for the elimination of nuclear weapons through its words but condoning these weapons through its actions has become apparent."
Haruko Moritaki, 71, co-director of the Hiroshima Alliance for Nuclear Weapons Abolition (HANWA), reacted against the policy, saying, "Abandoning the responsibility of the A-bombed nation and prioritizing economic benefits is a betrayal of the A-bombed cities. It is like Japan is lending a hand to nuclear proliferation."
(Originally published on June 26, 2010)
