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Momentum for nuclear abolition growing stronger, says Red Cross chief

Peter Maurer, the director-general of the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC), believes that discussions on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons have given momentum to the movement to abolish these arms. At a press conference held at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on February 13, Mr. Maurer expressed his hopes for the review conference of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), which will open in late April.

Mr. Maurer visited Hiroshima on February 11. He said that his visit to Japan provided the opportunity to reconfirm the ICRC’s determination to seek the abolition of nuclear weapons. He added that the Geneva-based organization will work with Japan to advance the cause of nuclear disarmament.

Three international conferences on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons have been held to date, which Mr. Maurer said indicates that people are accumulating more detailed knowledge of these issues and that international discussions on nuclear disarmament are growing more active.

During his stay in Japan, from February 10 to 13, Mr. Maurer also met with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The objectives of his visit included a stop in Hiroshima and the desire to further strengthen relations between the ICRC and the Japanese government.

(Originally published on February 14, 2015)

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