Hiroshima and Nagasaki mayors express solidarity with anti-nuclear peace march

The mayors of the atomic-bombed cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have sent their messages of solidarity to the 2003 National Peace March.

Akiba Tadatoshi, the Hiroshima mayor, made clear that he shares the call for a world without war and nuclear weapons and recognizes the importance of the annual peace march.

Akiba expressed his deep regret at the many casualties among Iraqi citizens in the Iraq war and reaffirmed A-bombed city Hiroshima's opposition to the war and its call for a peaceful solution to international problems.

The Hiroshima mayor stated that the world's leaders must sincerely learn from the experiences of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, listen to the call for "No more Hiroshimas, No more Nagasakis," and strive to realize the abolition of nuclear weapons.

Akiba concluded his message by stressing his hope for the marchers' continuous efforts to contribute to making this century peaceful and humane.

The National Peace March to Hiroshima and Nagasaki goes through all prefectures every summer, carrying the banner of nuclear weapons abolition.

Nagasaki Mayor Ito Iccho expressed respect for those who are marching untiringly for nuclear weapons to be abolished and peace achieved.

Recalling the atomic bombing of Nagasaki 58 years ago and pointing out that more than 30,000 nuclear warheads still remain in the world, he said, "Your action aimed at making the 21st century peaceful, free of war and nuclear weapons is of great significance." (end)