国連における核兵器禁止条約制定参加について English（英語）【平成29年5月2日】

Outrage in atomic bombing site Hiroshima

“Concerning participation in U.N. negotiations on the treaty to ban nuclear weapons”

　　　Negotiations aimed at establishing a treaty to ban nuclear weapons were commenced at the United Nations on March 27, 2017. However, on the opening day, Japan’s disarmament ambassador Nobushige Takamizawa gave a speech in which he said that the negotiations could “further deepen the rift in the international community and lessen chances of a nuclear weapon-free world” and that “given the present circumstances, it would be difficult for Japan to participate in a constructive manner and in good faith.” On the following day, March 28, Japan’s Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida clarified Japan’s intention not to participate, stating that the negotiations “not only do not realistically help create a world without nuclear weapons but could also further deepen the rift between nuclear- and non-nuclear-weapon states and cause an adverse effect.” Japan has thus withdrawn from the talks.

　　　Work on the negotiations began on October 27, 2016, at the First Committee of the General Assembly of the United Nations, when the “resolution to commence negotiations on a treaty to ban nuclear weapons in 2017” was adopted by a majority. The resolution was supported by 123 nations and opposed by 38 including Japan and the nuclear powers of United States, Russia, Britain and France, while 16 countries including China abstained.

　　　The Government of Japan’s opposition to the resolution triggered a backlash in the country. Mayor Matsui of Hiroshima immediately issued a letter of protest to Foreign Minister Kishida, expressing his “regret at the betrayal of the feelings of the hibakusha.”

　　　Prior to the negotiations, on March 15, the mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki had issued a written request seeking Japan’s participation to Foreign Minister Kishida. On March 22, Hiroshima City Council unanimously adopted a “position document calling on the Government of Japan to participate and play a leading role in establishment of the nuclear weapons ban treaty at the United Nations” and presented it to the leaders of both the upper and lower houses of the Diet, the prime minister and the foreign minister.

　　　On the same day, the general assembly of the Association of Hiroshima City Council Members to Support the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons adopted a resolution to present a written request to Foreign Minister Kishida. On March 23, Mr. Noriaki Usui, chairperson of the association, and Mr. Kozo Watanabe, the vice chairperson, visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and personally handed a letter to the foreign minister strongly urging the government to take part in the negotiations.

　　　We find it truly regrettable and are outraged at the Government of Japan’s decision not to participate in the negotiations in defiance of the heartfelt wishes and calls for the abolition of nuclear weapons by citizens of the city that suffered atomic bombing.

　　　It is likely that the said treaty will be adopted and signed by a majority of parties at the second session of the United Nations to be held from June 15 to July 7. However, with the nuclear powers likely to ignore the negotiations or any resolution that is adopted, the treaty, unfortunately, will lack effectiveness even if it is signed.

　　　Foreign Minister Kishida has voiced his personal stance by saying, “if discussions on negotiations have commenced, from the standpoint of emphasizing cooperation between nuclear- and non-nuclear-weapon states, Japan should actively participate and fulfill its role as the only country to have been attacked by nuclear weapons.” If the Japanese government feels that “the resolution will deepen the rift between nuclear- and non-nuclear-weapon states and, conversely, hinder the path to abolishing nuclear weapons” and that “there is little hope for progress without the consent of the nuclear powers,” we hope even more that it participates in the second session and actively works as a bridge between nuclear- and non-nuclear-weapon states in helping secure agreement between both sides.

　　　We strongly urge the Government of Japan to participate in the second session of the United Nations.

Noriaki Usui,

Chairperson,

Association of Hiroshima City Council Members to Support the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons