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Second day of Pugwash Conference discusses nuclear risks in South Asia

by Kyosuke Mizukawa, Staff Writer

On November 2, the second day of the international Pugwash Conference taking place in the city of Nagasaki, scientists and other participants discussed nuclear dangers in South Asia, in light of tense relations between India and Pakistan, both nuclear weapon states. While a former chief of the Pakistan military insisted that nuclear deterrence is necessary, other conference participants advocating nuclear disarmament expressed disagreement with his position.

Part of the day’s discussion was disclosed to the press. Khalid Kidwai, a former lieutenant general of the Pakistan military, took the podium and, while stressing that diplomatic efforts are important for resolving the differences between India and Pakistan, he also said that current relations between the two countries are very strained. According to Mr. Kidwai, whenever there’s disparity among countries when it comes to conventional arms, less privileged nations feel they have no choice but to lean more heavily on nuclear weapons. By maintaining the power of balance in this way, he said, peace can also be maintained.

Responding to Mr. Kidwai’s remarks, other participants argued that conflict between the two countries has been intractable even after they obtained nuclear arms and that only nuclear disarmament can lead to true stability in the region.

The second day also featured discussion on the roles the conference participants can play in advancing nuclear arms reduction. Then, behind closed doors, they split into eight working groups, in line with their region and area of expertise, and discussed the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons and the challenges of advanced technology and the social responsibility of scientists.

The working groups will meet again on November 4, then report on the results of their discussion at the plenary session on November 5, the final day of the conference.

(Originally published on November 3, 2015)

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