Gunsuikyo makes representations to U.N. member states for nuclear weapons abolition A delegation of the Japan Council Against A & H Bombs (Japan Gensuikyo) to the United Nations is making representations to member states, urging them to make further efforts to get nuclear weapons abolished, in preparation for the NPT Review Conference scheduled for May of next year. On October 6, the delegation led by Gensuikyo Secretary General Takakusaki Hiroshi visited the permanent missions to the U.N. of New Zealand, Ireland, and France, handing them the "Declaration of the International Meeting" and the "Letter to All Governments of the World" adopted at the 2004 World Conference against A & H Bombs. New Zealand representative Caroline McDonald expressed support for Gensuikyo's requests. Gensuikyo representatives stated that efforts by the New Agenda Coalition states have given great encouragement to the anti-nuclear movement. Stressing the need to cooperate with citizens, Ireland representative Sean McDonald expressed appreciation for Gensuikyo's activity and signed the petition calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons. Francois Livenseau from France indicated that his country is making commitments to nuclear disarmament and that nuclear proliferation is a major issue. The Gensuikyo delegation requested that France take the initiative in the move to abolish nuclear weapons, as it did in seeking a peaceful solution to the Iraq question. (end) |