Messages from abroad reach 2004 World Conference

The 2004 World Conference against A and H Bombs will be held August 2-9 in Hiroshima and Nagasaki to help further develop grassroots movements for the abolition of nuclear weapons by the 60th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Various overseas delegates, including government representatives from Egypt and Mexico as well as foreign embassy officials, will participate in this year's World Conference.

Many messages from overseas organizations and individuals have reached the Organizing Committee of the 2004 World Conference against A and H Bombs, wishing for a success of the Conference.

From the United States, Alfred L. Marder, president of the U.S. Peace Council, criticizes the Iraq War waged by the Bush Administration, stating, "World public opinion is the second superpower. It can frustrate the drive for global domination by the arrogant US administration and its junior partners."

Doctor Arnold H. Maltin is a member of the Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace, the group that holds an annual vigil in commemoration of the atomic bombings on August 6 in New York. He calls on Japanese to work together "for a peaceful world for our children and grandchildren."

From Australia, Jack Sennett, who had lived in Hiroshima in 1946 and 1947 while serving with the Australian Air force, calls for the abolition of all nuclear weapons, saying, "Although I am now 82 years old the terrible sights and experiences remain vivid in my memory."

From England, Ken Coates, chair of the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation LTD, stressed, "This conference takes place at a time of great importance for the worldwide movement against nuclear weapons."

Lukina Tatyana Aleksandrovna of the Smipalatinsk Amalgamated Association of Family Physicians from Russia said, "Abolish nuclear weapons, now!"

Benson Ngure Kiragu of the Umoja as One (Perfect mission for peace initiative) from Kenya, and Ackon Maxwell of the International Voluntary Organization for Women, Education and Development from Ghana expressed her hope that people's "wishes for peace will be fulfilled."

From Sri Lanka, Jayantha Dhanapala, former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations for Disarmament Affairs, and Duraisamy Kailanathan of the Democratic Workers Congress also sent their messages. Kailanathan said, "It is evident that a conference of this nature give a path for the abolishing of any of the A & H bombs in the future of the world."

Chittabrata Majumdar, General Secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), emphasized the need to "strengthen the struggle for a nuclear free world and for world peace."

Faisal Baloch of the Balochistan Witness (organization of victims of nuclear tests in Pakistan) seeks "Demilitarization and de-nuclearization of the world to value human principles."

The Organizing Committee of the 2004 World Conference received messages also from Edith Ballantyne, former President of the Woman's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF); Mourad Ghaleb, president of the Asia Africa Peoples' Solidarity Organization (AAPSO); and Nouri Abdul Razzak Hussain, AAPSO Secretary-General. (end)