Experts from U.S., Japan discuss steps to advance nuclear abolition
Oct. 23, 2014
by Jumpei Fujimura, Staff Writer
At a study meeting held in Tokyo on October 2, experts from the United States and Japan discussed concrete steps to advance the abolition of nuclear weapons. The meeting was organized by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), a private American organization, and the Japan Congress against A- and H- Bombs (Gensuikin).
Gregory Kulacki, a senior analyst for the UCS, referred to the global movement seeking the start of negotiations for a nuclear weapons convention. He said that the United States does not like to be subjected to international restrictions, and that it is more important to spread awareness that nuclear weapons are no longer effective. As a specific measure to eliminate nuclear arms, Mr. Kaluacki explained that the UCS has been urging the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama to end the current state of alertness in which nuclear missiles can be launched within minutes.
Yasunari Fujimoto, secretary general of Gensuikin, stressed the significance of Japan abandoning its nuclear fuel cycle policy. “Japan’s possession of a large amount of plutonium created through reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel has been worrying neighboring nations,” said Mr. Fujimoto. Mr. Kulacki said that if Japan abandons its nuclear fuel cycle policy, this would improve the security climate of Northeast Asia.
(Originally published on October 3, 2014)
At a study meeting held in Tokyo on October 2, experts from the United States and Japan discussed concrete steps to advance the abolition of nuclear weapons. The meeting was organized by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), a private American organization, and the Japan Congress against A- and H- Bombs (Gensuikin).
Gregory Kulacki, a senior analyst for the UCS, referred to the global movement seeking the start of negotiations for a nuclear weapons convention. He said that the United States does not like to be subjected to international restrictions, and that it is more important to spread awareness that nuclear weapons are no longer effective. As a specific measure to eliminate nuclear arms, Mr. Kaluacki explained that the UCS has been urging the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama to end the current state of alertness in which nuclear missiles can be launched within minutes.
Yasunari Fujimoto, secretary general of Gensuikin, stressed the significance of Japan abandoning its nuclear fuel cycle policy. “Japan’s possession of a large amount of plutonium created through reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel has been worrying neighboring nations,” said Mr. Fujimoto. Mr. Kulacki said that if Japan abandons its nuclear fuel cycle policy, this would improve the security climate of Northeast Asia.
(Originally published on October 3, 2014)
