2001 World Conference against A & H Bombs to focus on abolition of nuclear weapons and opposition to 'missile defense'

The 2001 World Conference against A and H Bombs will put emphasis on opposition to the U.S. Bush administration's "missile defense" as well as on the effort to achieve the elimination of nuclear weapons.

The 2001 World Conference will open in Hiroshima on August 3 and close in Nagasaki on August 9. Its common slogan will be: "Nuclear Weapons States Must Make Good on Their Promise to Abolish Nuclear Weapons: International Cooperation and Solidarity Will Ensure the Future of the World."

2001 World Conference events are scheduled as follows:

Forums
(1) Panel Discussion of the Representatives of National Governments
(2) Cooperation between Municipalities and Grass-Roots Peace Movement for a Nuclear-Free Japan and World
(3) "Global Hibakusha" Forum for a Nuclear-Free World

Workshops and Field Trips
1. Nuclear Weapons and the World: Forum of World Grassroots Activities
2. For a Nuclear-Weapons-Free Japan: Deployment of nuclear weapons; Military Bases & Alliance
3. Solidarity with the Hibakusha
4. History of the Movements against A & H Bombs and Prospects for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons
5. Nuclear Power Plants and Our Environment
6. Cuts in Military Spending for Defending Peopleユs Living
7. Cultural Activities for Peace and Against Nuclear Weapons
8. Field Trips
(1) Visit to A-bomb ruins and monuments
(2) Protest Action/Monitoring at Sasebo U.S. Naval Base
(3) Forum for boys and girls for peace
9. High-school Students Forum: Together with Hibakusha for a Nuclear-Free 21st Century

U.S. Missile defense test protested

In protest against the July 14 U.S. missile test, representatives of the Japan Council against A and H Bombs (Japan Gensuikyo), the Japan Peace Committee, and trade unions made representations to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. In a letter to the U.S. government, they demanded that the U.S. "stop the missile interception testing and cancel the whole 'missile defense program'."

They also sent a protest letter to Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro, requesting him to "oppose the 'missile defense program' and protest against missile tests."

In Hiroshima, eight organizations, including Hiroshima Gensuikyo, made similar protests on July 16. About 80 people carried out a sit-in in front of the monument in the Peace Memorial Park. (end)