(August 3, 1999, The Chugoku Shimbun)

45 Anniversary of the A-bombing World Conference against A and H Bombs organized by Gensuikin (Japanese Congress Against A and H Bombs) began its 2-day program on Monday August 2 at the Workpia Hiroshima in the city's Minami-ward. 16 participants from 10 various countries including Japan participated and discussed over the issues such as no-first use of nuclear weapons and denuclearization of South Asia region.

The issue regarding no-first use of nuclear weapons within NATO, a representative from anti-nuclear and peace NGO, which is active in Germany and Europe, condemned the policy of nuclear weapon sates. "German government tried to put forward no-first use nuclear weapon treaty but the rejection by the U.S., the U.K. and some others ruined the opportunity.", said the representative.

The representatives from India and Pakistan reported the realities of both countries a year after their nuclear tests. A leader of India's anti-nuclear group, Achin Vanaik expressed his concerns by saying, "Military conflicts might dangerously result in nuclear attacks." Pakistan's physicist, Pervez Hoodboy said, "If tension rises even more, it will be necessary for the G8 nations to impose economic sanctions on both countries."

Regarding the Key Recommendations presented by "Tokyo Forum for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament", Prof. Kurosawa Mitsuru of Osaka University evaluated, "The contents were full of ideas which seemed practical and the recommendations were written according to the purpose of this forum." But at the same time, he had to say, "I wish they stepped into the details for example, the subject like making East North Asia a denuclearized zone."

On the other hand, there is another international conference organized by Gensuikyo (Japan Council Against A and H Bombs) called "1999 World Conference against A and H Bombs" to be opened on August 3.@The first delegation from overseas arrived in the city on August 2. Throughout the conference, there will be 65 delegates from 5 international organizations and 20 countries participating. The residents living in the area of India's nuclear testing cite Pokhran, were unable to attend the conference.