Here is a call for participation in and support for the 2008 World Conference against A and H Bombs, and attached its provisional program and pre-registration form, plus a call for joining the 2008 International Youth Rally "Let us get rid of nuclear weapons". Please make a plan to come to Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Aug. 2-9, 2008. We look forward to receiving your pre-registration forms!

For a Nuclear Weapon-Free, Peaceful and Just World :
Call for Participation in and Support for the
2008 World Conference against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs

February 14, 2008

61st General Meeting, Organizing Committee of the
World Conference against A & H Bombs

Aspiring to a nuclear weapon-free, peaceful and just world, we will hold the 2008 World Conference against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs from August 2 to 9, 2008, in the A-bombed cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We cordially invite people worldwide, both in and out of Japan, who share the common goal to take part in and support the World Conference.

This year’s world conference will serve as a springboard for developing a joint international campaign toward the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference in the spring of 2010. The implementation of the “unequivocal undertaking” to eliminate nuclear weapons, agreed to in the 2000 Review Conference by the nuclear weapons states was sought for in the last NPT Review Conference held in 2005. But the conference ended in failure, due to the attempt by the U.S. to focus only on “nuclear non-proliferation.”

However, the disastrous situation in Iraq caused by the US led-war using the proliferation as a pretext has not only shown the bankruptcy of “order imposed by power” but also the fact that the abolition of nuclear weapons is the only way to overcome threats from nuclear weapons. Under these circumstances, a determination to jointly endeavor to achieve the implementation of promise by the nuclear weapons states is growing among NGOs, national governments and local municipalities.

The U.N. General Assembly last December adopted resolutions to urge the implementation of the agreement to abolish nuclear weapons and to demand an early commencement of negotiations leading to the elimination of nuclear weapons with greater support than in previous years. We are also witnessing a new move in which former advisors to different U.S. Presidents, secretaries of state and defense, and the defense and foreign ministers of its allies are calling on the nuclear weapons states to take action toward a “nuclear weapon-free world.”

Now is the time for all the people of the world who wish to achieve a “nuclear weapon-free world” to work together and develop broader and greater actions.

At the same time, we are aware of the responsibility of the Japanese movements. Against the wish of the people for a nuclear-free and peaceful Japan, and in defiance of a worldwide trend, our government is deepening Japan’s dependence on the U.S. “nuclear umbrella” and promoting revision of the peace Constitution. We urge the government of the world’s only A-bombed nation to assume a leading role for nuclear weapons abolition and to contribute to world peace by strictly observing the Three Non-Nuclear Principles and Article 9 of the Constitution. To this end, we are determined to make progress in our grass-roots movements, working together with the Hibakusha.

The World Conference against A & H Bombs has helped develop international solidarity and joint efforts between anti-nuclear peace movements of the world and governments working for the elimination of nuclear weapons. Let us have active discussion and interactions, and expand our movements further to open a sure perspective for a future set free of threats from nuclear weapons. We also hope to develop our solidarity with the movements against war and for peace, and for protection of environment and people’s livelihoods.

We cordially call on you to take part in and give support to the 2008 World Conference. We also call for your cooperation with the Nationwide Peace March which marks its 50th anniversary this year, the signature campaign for the abolition of nuclear weapons, and holding of A-bomb exhibitions. (end)

C o n t a c t   :   Y a y o i   T S U C H I D A
In charge of International Relations
World Conference against A & H Bombs
Organizing Committee
2-4-4 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku,
Tokyo 113-8464 JAPAN

Phone : +81-3-5842-6034
Fax : +81-3-5842-6033
Email : intl@antiatom.org
URL : www.antiatom.org