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Twin conferences close in Nagasaki with urge for action on abolishing nuclear weapons

by Masakazu Domen, Staff Writer

On August 9, two world conferences held in the city of Nagasaki brought their gatherings to a close by adopting resolutions appealing for the abolition of nuclear weapons. The twin conferences are: The World Conference Against A & H Bombs, held by the Japan Congress Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs in commemoration of the 63rd anniversary of the atomic bombings, and the 2008 World Conference Against A & H Bombs held by the Japan Council Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs and other entities.

The Japan Congress held its “Sum-up Gathering” at the Nagasaki Prefectural Gymnasium with 2,200 people in attendance. The participants adopted a declaration in which various demands were proposed, including greater relief measures for hibakusha, both in Japan and abroad, strengthened diplomatic efforts toward nuclear weapons abolition, and more focus on moving beyond a reliance on nuclear energy.

At the gathering, George Martin, National Co-chair of United for Peace & Justice, a leading anti-war organization in the United States, vowed solidarity by stating, “I share the vision of nuclear weapons abolition by 2020.” The participants adopted a special resolution urging the withdrawal of a plan which envisions establishing a home for U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carriers at the Yokosuka Port in Kanagawa Prefecture.

The Japan Council held its last-day meeting at Nagasaki Citizens’ Hall with 1,900 people in attendance. The participants adopted a resolution entitled “A Letter to the People in the World from Nagasaki” in which it urged all nations, including nuclear weapons states, to take a stand by declaring that “the time has come to decide to take action for nuclear weapons abolition.” The organizations plan to send this letter to the United Nations, national governments of the world, and major NGOs.

(Originally published on August 9, 2008)

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