International Meeting
2001 World Conference against A and H Bombs

Address of the Organizer

Ayako Sekiya
Member of the Committee of Chairpersons


We are gathered here today in Hiroshima for the first World Conference
against A and H Bombs in the 21st century. The Hibakusha who rose from the
hell of August 6 and 9, 1945 and along with conscientious people speak out
with one voice and join their hands to demand the elimination of nuclear
weapons. Their voice has now become a major current in the world. The NPT
review conference last year took a step forward by adopting unanimously the
final document in which all nuclear-weapon states undertook to achieve the
total elimination of their nuclear arsenals.

I am confident that the World Conference in Hiroshima and Nagasaki as well
as the Japanese movement against A and H Bombs, which have consistently
called for the abolition of nuclear weapons, have made a great contribution
to such a development. I feel very comforted at the same time that the
efforts of the countries striving for the elimination of nuclear weapons,
especially the "New Agenda" countries and non-aligned countries, have been
a major force in this.

In order to make those who holdfast to nuclear weapons live up their
undertaking up to eliminate their nuclear arsenals, we must further
strengthen public opinion and our actions. For this, it is important to
consolidate the cooperation between our peace movement and those countries
that act in favor of elimination. For this reason, I am very glad that the
representatives of these countries will participate in the rally to be held
in Nagasaki. I urge you, participants in this international meeting, to
actively discuss actions that we can develop, especially those for
strengthening cooperation with the governments of these countries.

Our movement for nuclear weapons abolition must not underestimate what the
U.S. government is trying to do. Turning his back on the elimination
undertaking, President Bush refuses to give up nuclear weapons, which he
considers as the symbol of U.S. power. He is engaging the country in a
perilous program called "missile defense" which might lead to a new nuclear
arms race. We who wholeheartedly aspire to world peace must strengthen
public opinion and the movement opposing Missile Defense and at the same
time press harder for the abolition of nuclear weapons. I hope that you
will exchange views on these dangerous moves as well as ways to stop them.

I am sure that many of you are also worried about the recent moves of the
Japanese government. I myself am one of theose citizens who strongly
criticize these moves, especially the Primi Minister's visit to Yasukuni
Shrine. This shrine played a role in pushing the people of Japan to the
war of aggression. I also oppose the attempt to introduce textbooks
justifying and glorifying the war of aggression into schools. In the past,
Japanese militarism waged a war of aggression against our Asian neighbors
and colonized them, causing their peoples damage and sufferings beyond
description. We have been strongly condemning the atomic bombing of
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which is linked with criticism and reflection on
the war of aggression. The refusal to recognize the historical facts is
totally incompatible with the pursuit of the elimination of nuclear weapons
and the establishment of peace.

"Nuclear Weapons States Must Make Good on their Promise to Abolish Nuclear
Weapons: International Cooperation and Solidarity Will Ensure the Future of
the World", is the theme chosen for this year's World Conference. I
reiterate my hope that around this theme, you will share your experiences,
ideas and resolves, present the results of your analysis of the
developments regarding nuclear weapons in the situation at the beginning of
the new century, and on this basis explore together ways for developing
public opinion and the movement against nuclear weapons. With this wish, I
conclude my speech on behalf of the organizing committee.