Appeal for a success of 2007 World Conference against A and H Bombs published

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Appeal for a success of 2007 World Conference against A and H Bombs published

The Organizing Committee of the World Conference against A & H Bombs on February ended its 59th general meeting and published an appeal entitled, "Call for Participation in and Support for the 2007 World Conference against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs: For a Nuclear Weapon-Free, Peaceful and Just World." The text of the appeal follows:

The 2007 World Conference against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs will be held from August 3 to 9, 2007 in the A-bombed cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with the theme: "For a Nuclear Weapon-Free, Peaceful and Just World". We cordially invite all those people in the world as well as in Japan who wish to contribute to achieving this goal through interaction, cooperation, and solidarity to take part in and support the 2007 World Conference.

The Iraq war was launched based on lies about weapons of mass destruction being developed by Iraq, and it is now a quagmire of death. The U.S. Bush Administration is now under severe criticism both at home and internationally.

Amid growing concern over the danger of nuclear proliferation, calls for the abolition of nuclear weapons are increasing. Recently, former U.S. Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger and other former key U.S. administration officials proposed that a "world without nuclear weapons" should be created and for this, "A major effort should be launched by the United States," which "would lend additional weight to efforts already under way to solve the problem of nuclear proliferation."

The Bush Administration insists on modernizing its nuclear armaments and is clinging to the policy of the possible use of nuclear weapons. It is also insisting on continuing the Iraq war. However, such a policy will only lead to deeper isolation and total failure. We will work to increase people's movements to make the 21st century free of the threat of nuclear weapons and wars at the earliest possible time.

The efforts by the Japanese anti-nuclear peace movement are drawing attention from people around the world, thus raising their hopes. The recent development on the issue of North Korea's nuclear programs can be a concrete step forward toward its peaceful resolution. We do not condone the emergence of new nuclear weapons possessing countries. We stand firm against the Japanese government considering arguments for arming Japan with nuclear weapons by capitalizing on the issue of North Korea's nuclear program. We oppose Japan's dependence on the U.S. "nuclear umbrella" as well as its attempt to push ahead with the adverse revision of the Japanese Constitution.

Japan is the atomic bombed country with its "Article 9" and its Three Non-Nuclear Principles. We will increase efforts to transform our country into one that will contribute to creating a peaceful world without nuclear weapons.

The World Conference against A & H Bombs, working together with the Hibakusha (A-bomb survivors), has played a major role in advancing the anti-nuclear movement worldwide. In recent years, it has helped develop international solidarity and cooperation between NGOs and national governments that are making efforts to abolish nuclear weapons. This has had a positive impact on international politics. By making the voices of the Hibakusha and other nuclear victims heard around the world, we will work to increase the current of calls for the swift abolition of nuclear weapons. We sincerely hope that the 2007 World Conference against A & H Bombs will further build on our past achievements, involving young people bearing the future of humanity and the broad range of people from around the world as well as from Japan. With this, we cordially call on you to take part in and give support to the World Conference, and to cooperate with us in the various activities in preparation for a successful World Conference.
- Akahata, February 16, 2007