Japan Gensuikyo actively promotes signature campaign for nuclear weapons abolition

The Japan Council against A & H Bombs (Japan Gensuikyo) held its national standing board meeting on September 16 and 17 and decided to strengthen the new signature campaign, "Abolish Nuclear Weapons Now! Let there be no more Hiroshimas and Nagasakis", inside and outside of Japan.

The signature campaign was launched at the 2003 World Conference against A & H Bombs in order to make 2005, the 60th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a turning point for the world's anti-nuclear movement. Urging the governments of nuclear states to immediately take steps to eliminate their nuclear weapons, it demands that governments of all countries act to promote the conclusion of an international treaty abolishing nuclear weapons.

In discussions, many speakers stressed the significance of the campaign for attracting a wide range of people, in particular young people. The participants also agreed to develop the campaign and increase criticism of the U.S. nuclear strategy and the Japanese government's support for such pro-nuclear moves.

A representative of Hiroshima Gensuikyo reported that in his community, scholars and other public figures have endorsed the signature campaign and are participating in the collection of signatures from residents. (end)