Gensuikyo calls for successful 2001 World Conference against A and H Bombs

The Japan Council against A and H Bombs (Japan Gensuikyo) has decided to concentrate its efforts on making the 2001 World Conference against A and H Bombs (August 3-9 in Hiroshima and Nagasaki) a springboard to strengthen international calls for nuclear weapons abolition to be implemented.

The plan of action was adopted by the Japan Gensuikyo Executive Board meeting held on April 20 and 21 in Tokyo.

Proposing the action plan toward the World Conference, Takakusagi Hiroshi, Gensuikyo secretary general, referred to the adverse moves of the U.S. reneging on the promise to work toward the elimination of nuclear weapons, and emphasized that the World Conference should call on the U.S. to fulfill its own promise.

Takakusagi also stressed the need to develop the anti-nuclear movement in closer cooperation with peace movements of the world and non-aligned governments. He said some of those governments have made inquiries with Gensuikyo about the World Conference.

Noting that the World Conference will take place just after the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election in June and the House of Councilors election in July, Takakusagi raised the following points as urgent: Condemn the Liberal Democratic Party for its pro-nuclear policy through a variety of activities, including signature collection; and step up an organization for participation in this year's World Conference.

In the Executive Board meeting, a local Gensuikyo director said in discussing the report that they must win more participants to the World Conference from local governments where drastic changes are taking place in public opinion concerning nuclear weapons due to the serious damage caused by U.S. military bases in Japan, the U.S. nuclear-powered submarine's incident off Hawaii, and other matters.

Another participant called for the success of "Save the Dugongs Peace March," followed by the success of the Great Peace March for the 2001 World Conference. (end)