May 7, 2010

Japan Council against A and H Bombs (Japan Gensuikyo) Representative Director Sawada Shoji and Secretary General Taka Hiroshi on May 4 presented international signatures for a world without nuclear weapons collected to date to Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference President Libran N. Cabactulan at the UN General Assembly hall. This official presentation on the second day of the review conference was made in the name of Japanese participants in the New York action and in the name of all those who signed for eliminating nuclear weapons.

In handing the signatures, Taka reported that the number of signatures collected in Japan as at May 3 nearly 7 million, and that those who signed include 7 governors and 872 mayors of cities, towns and villages. He said that the signature drive will last till May 28, the closing day of the review conference, seeking a goal of collecting 12 million signatures in total.

Taka urged the review conference and the participating governments to take all necessary measures for the elimination of nuclear weapons. Particularly, he requested all countries, including nuclear weapons states, to agree to immediately start negotiations on a treaty to prohibit and eliminate nuclear weapons.

NPT Review Conference President Cabactulan said in a speech that he appreciates the efforts made by Gensuikyo and citizens movements, and that the efforts will have a significant influence on the NPT Review Conference which has just started.
-Akahata, May 7, 2010