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Hiroshima leaders react to government’s refusal to sign anti-nuclear statement

by Kohei Okata and Kenichiro Nozaki, Staff Writers

On November 6, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui and Hiroshima Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki expressed their views, in separate instances, on the Japanese government’s refusal to sign a joint statement calling for nuclear weapons to be made illegal under international law. The statement has been backed by more than 30 nations.

Mr. Matsui paid a visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was offered an explanation of the circumstances surrounding the government’s decision, but the mayor expressed dissatisfaction with this explanation. He met with Mitsuru Kitano, director-general of the Non-proliferation and Science Department, behind closed doors, and criticized the government’s attitude with the words: “It’s only logical to conclude that nuclear arms should be made illegal since they are inhumane and an absolute evil.”

Responding to Mr. Matsui’s remark, Mr. Kitano reportedly said that the government’s position was consistent with its security policy, which relies on the U.S. nuclear umbrella. He added, “We are certainly pursuing a world without nuclear weapons, but we cannot back the statement in any way at this point.”

After the meeting, the Hiroshima mayor told reporters that, because of the position he holds, he cannot readily accept the ministry’s response. Mr. Matsui added, “Signing the statement should have been more acceptable for people who are seeking world peace.”

Hiroshima governor responds

Governor Yuzaki stressed in a press conference: “The Japanese government is appealing for nuclear abolition while under the U.S. nuclear umbrella, which means there is a contradiction in the nation’s security policy.” He urged the government to address this inconsistency and move out from under the nuclear umbrella.

On the central government’s refusal to support the statement, Mr. Yuzaki repeated that he finds the decision regrettable and wishes the government would sign it. But he indicated that he will not continue pressing the government to do so, saying, “We have taken every opportunity to make our view clear.”

(Originally published on November 7, 2012)

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