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U.S. President Obama will not attend World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates

by Yumi Kanazaki, Staff Writer

On November 5, the City of Hiroshima announced that a response from the U.S. government, indicating that U.S. President Barack Obama will not attend “The 2010 World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates,” set for November 12 to 14 in the city, has arrived.

The letter was sent under the name of Kurt Campbell, the assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and dated October 26. It offered praise for the summit, saying, “The focus of the World Summit of the Nobel Peace Laureates to move toward the abolishment of nuclear weapons is commendable, and mirrors President Obama’s commitment to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons.” At the same time, it stated clearly, “It is with regret that President Obama will not be able to attend the 11th World Summit of the Noble Peace Laureates in Hiroshima.” The letter concluded with the sentiment: “Your overwhelming resolution to lead the world toward a nuclear weapons free world advances President Obama's vision to make the world a safer place.”

President Obama will visit Japan to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting to be held on November 13 and 14. Hiroshima Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba and Hiroshima Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki had sent a letter asking Mr. Obama, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2009, to attend the summit. The White House announced on October 28 that the president will not visit Hiroshima during his impending trip to Japan.

(Originally published on November 6, 2010)

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