Nuclear test draws public criticism

Atomic-bomb survivors in Nagasaki have protested against North Korea's nuclear test, saying nothing justifies the denial of global efforts to abolish nuclear arms and achieve peace. Five groups in the city issued a joint statement at a news conference on Tuesday. One of the groups' leaders said it is insanity to conduct a nuclear test. He said the atomic-bomb survivors will continue sending the message to the world that it is wrong to conduct nuclear tests and to possess nuclear weapons. Another leader called for North Korea and other countries to hold peaceful talks, saying that threats solve nothing. Criticism is also coming from South Korea. A young man there called the test an unethical act, adding that South Korea should enact sanctions against the North. Another man said the North may have been trying to threaten the South during a change of power, as President-elect Park Geun-hye is scheduled to be sworn in later this month. A group of retired soldiers held a rally in Seoul. The participants chanted a slogan criticizing the North's leadership, and burned the North Korean flag. But there are also deep-rooted concerns about the test's impact on bilateral relations. A woman called for a continued inter-Korean dialogue.

Nagasaki marks 64th A-bomb anniversary

Nagasaki observed the 64th anniversary of the US atomic bombing of the city on Sunday.

A memorial service was held at the Peace Park near Ground Zero, with about 5,800 people taking part.

They included representatives from 29 countries -- a record number -- and the mayors of 87 overseas cities who are attending the Mayors for Peace conference.

The participants observed a minute's silence at 11:02 AM, the exact time the atomic bomb was dropped.

In his speech, Nagasaki Mayor Tomihisa Taue praised US President Barack Obama's appeal for a nuclear-free world. He called on people everywhere to declare their support for Obama and take steps to achieve a world without nuclear weapons.

UN General Assembly President Miguel D'Escoto said he came to Japan to express solidarity with the victims and survivors of one of the greatest atrocities the world has ever witnessed.

At the Mayors for Peace conference, atomic bomb survivors and citizens collected signatures to urge Obama to visit Nagasaki.

A participant from Belgium, who signed the petition, said visiting Nagasaki and listening to survivors' accounts made him realize the importance of abolishing nuclear weapons.

He added that leaders from all over the world should visit Nagasaki.

2009/08/09 22:44(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)