 Pile up millions of signatures at U.N. -- 2004 World Conference against A&H Bombs-Hiroshima ends About 7,800 people assembled in the 2004 World Conference against A & H Bombs--Hiroshima from August 4-6 and pledged to stand in the forefront of the movement for the abolition of nuclear weapons. The delegates from throughout the country were joined by government representatives from Egypt, Malaysia, and Mexico, as well as more than 60 grassroots anti-nuclear activists from abroad. Zenroren President Kumagai Kanemichi declared the World Conference open, followed by addresses of solidarity from Tanaka Terumi, Japan Confederation of A and H Bombs Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) secretary general, and Rev. Kizu Hiromichi of the Japan Buddha Sangha. On behalf of the Organizing Committee, Anzai Ikuro, Ritsumeikan University professor, stressed the importance of the Declaration of the International Meeting (Aug.2-4) which calls for the "Abolition of nuclear weapons, now" drive to be increased in preparation for the 2005 Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty Review Conference and the 60th anniversary of the atomic bombings. Speaking in the opening plenary, Hiroshima Mayor Akiba Tadatoshi declared "the period beginning today and lasting until August 9, 2005 to be a Year of Remembrance and Action for a Nuclear-Free World." He said, "Our goal is to bring forth a beautiful flower for the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings, namely the total elimination of all nuclear weapons from the face of the Earth by the year 2020." He also announced that the Conference of Mayors for Peace will hold an emergency campaign in May 2005 in New York demanding a ban on nuclear weapons to make the 60th anniversary a year of hope. Workshops and various rallies on August 5 On the evening of August 5, the "Peace Jam 2004-Hiroshima" was held with about 1,700 participants. Photo journalist Morizumi Takashi reported on the Iraq war and criticized the U.S. for using depleted uranium bombs. Also, about 450 high school students rallied, and students from Nagano reported that a photo exhibition displaying "photos taken by whoever feels it peaceful" attracted 200 young people. From the site of a recitation of "Poem of Hiroshima 2004" with 1,500 women, a big chorus sounded with songs for children. Delegates to the World Conference took part in 13 workshops on various themes, including "For a world without nuclear weapons or war", "Stop the plan to turn Japan into a war-fighting country and defend the Constitution", and "Solidarity of Hibakusha and nuclear victims around the world." Millions of signatures to U.N. and NPT Review Conference In the closing plenary of the 2004 World Conference-Hiroshima on August 6, Alice Slater, U.S. Global Research Action Center for the Environment (GRACE) president, called for signatures in support of the "Abolish nuclear weapons, now" petition to be brought to the NPT Review Conference next May. Christopher G. Weeramantory, International Association of Lawyers against Nuclear Weapons (IALANA) president, called on participants to start a movement to urge national governments to diminish nuclear threats by organizing the widest possible actions. Japan Gensuikyo Secretary General Takakusagi Hiroshi on behalf of the World Conference Organizing Committee proposed actions building on the successful World Conference. Speaking about his experience in Hiroshima at the time of the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945, Kimi Koishi, a well-known comic artist, tearfully said, "How arrogant it is to continue producing atomic bombs to destroy the earth! We must not condone it." Many reports were made at the World Conference on grassroots activities, including those by young workers and students in preparation for the 60th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The World Conference-Hiroshima adopted the "Appeal from Hiroshima" and a special resolution calling for solidarity with Hibakusha and nuclear victims of the world". (end) |