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Japanese foreign minister discusses Japan’s support for nuclear weapons statement

by Jumpei Fujimura, Staff Writer

On October 15, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, elected from district one in Hiroshima, stated at a news conference that the Japanese government’s decision to sign, for the first time, a joint statement that stresses the inhumanity of nuclear weapons and calls for these arms never to be used will be significant in advancing nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation. He again emphasized the Japanese government’s determination to exercise leadership in realizing a world without nuclear weapons.

Mr. Kishida referred to the ministerial meeting of the Non-proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI), to be held in Hiroshima next April, and expressed enthusiasm for the event, saying, “Considering our diplomatic schedule, we will take the lead in the discussions about nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.”

Meanwhile, he indicated the government’s intention to continue relying on U.S. nuclear policy. With North Korea’s nuclear and missile developments in mind, Mr. Kishida said that the government will advance nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation in a realistic and concrete manner, based on the recognition that Japan faces a difficult security environment.

The Japanese government reportedly took into consideration the fact that the statement is non-binding in its decision to provide the nation’s first-ever endorsement. Mr. Kishida said he would refrain from speaking further on Japan’s reasons for backing the statement until its official release at the First Committee of the U.N. General Assembly. This body, which deals with disarmament issues, is now meeting in New York and the statement will be announced by the committee as early as October 17 (local time).

(Originally published on October 16, 2013)

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