PNND in Japan Founded
A supra-partisan network of the Diet members of Japan was established on July 24, 2002. The Network, called BParliamentary Network for Nuclear Disarmament Japan (PNND Japan), will serve as a branch of the international PNND that is a project of the Middle Powers Initiative. At the Inaugural Assembly, it was reported that about 36 Diet members had registered and 15 more indicated intention to join, from eight parties including the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the biggest opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), Komeito, Communist Party, SDP, and Greens Japan. Mr. Tsuneo Suzuki (LDP) was elected the President and stated that the nuclear disarmament was especially a challenging theme of the present and that he wanted to work hard to revitalize parliamentary activities in Japan for that cause. Also, two representatives from non-governmental organisations addressed the MPs about the urgency of the nuclear disarmament. The Peace Depot has been helping to form the network.
Hiro Umebayashi
Hiromichi Umebayashi, President, Peace Depot, and International Coordinator, Pacific Campaign for Disarmament and Security (PCDS), 3-3-1 Minowa-cho, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-0051 Japan, tel: +81-45563 51 01, fax: +81-45-563 99 07; CXJ15621@nifty.ne.jp.
