JCP representatives visit embassies

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Japanese Communist Party representatives on May 22 visited the embassies of Ireland, Britain, and France to discuss the issue of nuclear disarmament. They explained JCP Chair Shii Kazuo's recent letter to U.S. President Obama requesting that the United States take the initiative in moving toward the abolition of nuclear weapons.

At the Embassy of Ireland, JCP Vice Chair Ogata Yasuo met with Ambassador Brendan Scannell.

Scannell emphasized the great significance of U.S. President Obama's call for a world without nuclear weapons and the importance of the NPT Review Conference slated for next year. He also explained Ireland's role as the founding member of the New Agenda coalition calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons.

At the British Embassy, JCP member of the House of Representatives Kasai Akira met with Jonathan Aves, head of the Political Section.

Aves said that Britain, which is a nuclear-weapons country, gives top priority to making efforts to make the world free of nuclear weapons with Prime Minister Gordon Brown at the forefront.

Yamashita Yoshiki, JCP member of the House of Councilors, visited the French Embassy and met with Political Counselor Pauline Carmona.

Carmona said that France maintains its nuclear deterrent because other countries possess nuclear weapons, adding that all countries are responsible for accomplishing nuclear disarmament.

Recalling her visit to the atomic bomb museum in Hiroshima, she said, "No one can listen to Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) relate their suffering without being moved."

- Akahata, May 22, 2009