Gensuikyo representative calls for nuclear weapons abolition in Barcelona peace forum

A representative of the Japan Council against A & H Bombs (Japan Gensuikyo) and hibakusha (A-bomb survivors) called for nuclear weapons abolition at the peace forum "Toward a world without violence" held in Barcelona June 23-27. Their appeals had favorable reactions from the participants.

The participants in the forum, sponsored by the International Peace Bureau (IPB) and the Spanish Peace Foundation, discussed conflict resolution, disarmament, and peace education.

A workshop on nuclear weapons abolition on June 25 discussed tasks in preparation for the 2005 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference.

Tsuchida Yayoi, Gensuikyo representative, as a panelist in the workshop discussion, said, "A grave danger and a great hope for the future concurrently exist on the nuclear weapons issues." She emphasized, "Let's spread worldwide the signature-collection campaign 'Eliminate all nuclear weapons now!'"

Her appeal was warmly welcomed. One Spanish woman said, "I will collect as many signatures as possible and send them to Japan. In Spain, many people have opposed the Iraq war and changed things. Likewise, these signatures, if collected in large numbers, will help change the situation."

Two hibakusha from Hiroshima and Nagasaki on June 24 talked about their own experiences of being bombed before an assembly of 200 citizens.

The photos of the atomic bombing were on display during the forum, and more than 500 signatures were collected. Local TV and newspapers extensively reported on the campaign. (end)