With no invitation extended to Israel, British ambassador pulls out of attendance at Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony
Aug. 7, 2024
On August 6, Julia Longbottom, the British ambassador to Japan, announced she would not be attending the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony, to be held on August 9, in response to the Nagasaki City government’s decision not to extend an invitation to Israel.
For the third consecutive year, Nagasaki City did not invite Russia, which continues its invasion of Ukraine, or Belarus, a supporter of Russia. Ms. Longbottom explained that Russia had invaded a sovereign nation. Regarding Israel’s attacks on the Palestinian-controlled Gaza Strip, she explained that the attacks were recognized as the nation’s right to self-defense against other countries. She also expressed her concern that if she were to attend the ceremony in Nagasaki, her country could be seen as treating Russia and Israel in the same way.
In an interview with the media at a hotel in Hiroshima’s Naka Ward on the same day, she explained a representative would be sent to take her place in Nagasaki.
(Originally published on August 7, 2024)
For the third consecutive year, Nagasaki City did not invite Russia, which continues its invasion of Ukraine, or Belarus, a supporter of Russia. Ms. Longbottom explained that Russia had invaded a sovereign nation. Regarding Israel’s attacks on the Palestinian-controlled Gaza Strip, she explained that the attacks were recognized as the nation’s right to self-defense against other countries. She also expressed her concern that if she were to attend the ceremony in Nagasaki, her country could be seen as treating Russia and Israel in the same way.
In an interview with the media at a hotel in Hiroshima’s Naka Ward on the same day, she explained a representative would be sent to take her place in Nagasaki.
(Originally published on August 7, 2024)
