August 7, 2022

Japanese Communist Party member of the Lower House Kasai Akira on August 5 met with Andrei Belousov, Russia's deputy representative at the UN in Geneva, at the UN Headquarters in NYC.

Kasai criticized Russia for repeatedly threatening the use of nuclear weapons in its war in Ukraine and handed a letter demanding that all NPT signatories put the obligation for nuclear disarmament based on Article 6 of the NPT and related agreements into practice.

Belousov justified Russia's aggression against Ukraine by claiming that it was because other countries using Ukraine as a pretest strengthened their military capabilities, and Russia hinted at countering with nuclear weapons if other countries threaten Russia with the use or the threat of use of nuclear arms. However, while saying that Russia is ready to implement Article 6 of the NPT, he said that Russia would not reduce its nuclear weapon stocks as long as intimidation from other countries continue.

Regarding Kasai's request, Belousov at the beginning of the meeting said that the request is close to that made by Russia. Kasai, however, argued that the invasion itself is a violation of international law and the UN Charter and many Japanese people are opposed to Russia's outrageous acts. Kasai said, "For whatever reason, both the use or the threat of use of nuclear weapons are unacceptable."

Belousov pointed out that Japan relies on the U.S. nuclear umbrella. Kasai in response said, "Our party opposes this and demands that Japan abide by its Three Nonnuclear Principles – to not produce, possess, or allow the entry of nuclear weapons into Japan."

Kasai hands written request to NPT RevCon chair

Japanese Communist Party member of the Lower House Kasai Akira on August 5 visited President-Designate of the 10th Review Conference of the UN Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) Gustavo Zlauvinen (Argentina) at the UN Headquarters in NYC and handed him a written request regarding the ongoing conference.

Kasai introduced himself as second-generation Hibakusha and expressed his hope for the success of the conference. Zlauvinen promised to read Kasai's written request.