800 high school students say 'No' to war cooperation

About 800 high school students calling for "No war cooperation" held a national peace rally on May 4 in Miyashita Park in Tokyo.

"We have gathered here today to achieve a world based on rules for peace in the 21st century," stated Shirai Maho, a high school senior and the organizing committee chair.

Yoshino Miyako, a 29-year-old nurse who has worked in Iraq, reported that many Iraqi children wounded by cluster bomb attacks are being brought into hospitals, and stressed, "We must not forget that war always threatens the lives of the weak."

Speaking on behalf of Green Korea United, South Korean peace activist Kang Han expressed solidarity with the rally slogan, "Our voices and actions create the future."

Participants adopted a resolution stating, "We high school students refuse to support the Iraq war. We reject any war cooperation." After the rally, holding colorful banners and posters, they marched in demonstration through the downtown district of Shibuya which is always crowded with many young people. (end)