Abe rules out possibility that Japan will possess nuclear weapons

Abe rules out possibility that Japan will possess nuclear weapons

HIROSHIMA — Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ruled out the possibility on Aug. 6 that Japan will arm itself with nuclear weapons in the future.

“There is no way that Japan will either possess nuclear weapons or consider possessing such arms,” Abe told a news conference in Hiroshima.

At a press conference on Aug. 3, newly appointed Defense Minister Tomomi Inada stopped short of denying the possibility that Japan will possess nuclear weapons in the future.

“Under the Constitution, there are no restrictions on the types of weapons that Japan can possess as the minimum necessary,” she said.

Regarding the defense minister’s remarks, Prime Minister Abe said, “Her statement is consistent with the government’s policy. I’d like her to do her best as a member of the Abe Cabinet to achieve a world without nuclear weapons.”

As for constitutional revisions, the prime minister called for rational discussions on the issue. “I hope that the matter will be seriously discussed in the calm environment of the commissions on the Constitution (of both houses of the Diet), and lead to national debate.”

http://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160806/p2a/00m/0na/012000c

Abe: Japan will never consider possessing nukes

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says the country will never possess, or even consider possessing, nuclear weapons.
Abe spoke to reporters after a memorial ceremony for the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on Saturday.
He was asked about remarks by new Defense Minister Tomomi Inada that Japan should not consider the possession of nuclear arms at the moment.
Abe said that Inada’s comment is consistent with the government’s policy.
He said Japan, as the only country to have experienced atomic bombings, firmly upholds its 3 non-nuclear principles.
Abe said, “It is our responsibility to make continuous and determined efforts toward a world without nuclear weapons.”
Abe was also asked about the possibility of the constitution being revised. He said the matter should be discussed in a quiet environment, referring to Diet panels reviewing the constitution. He said lawmakers, regardless of their party affiliation, should express their views in serious discussions, leading to a national debate.

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160806_19/

Abe calls for nuclear-free world in Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he is resolved to pursue a nuclear-free world and will do his best to achieve permanent peace.
The prime minister spoke on Saturday at a ceremony in Hiroshima to mark 71 years since the US atomic bombing of the city.
He referred to the visit in May of Barack Obama as the first incumbent US president to come to Hiroshima.
Abe said the leader of the sole nation to have used nuclear weapons saw the reality of the atomic bombing and urged nuclear powers to have the courage to achieve a world without such arms. Abe said he is sure that Obama’s speech gave hope to people around the world.
He said Japan, as the sole nation to have suffered atomic bombing, will adhere to its 3 non-nuclear principles of not having, not making and not bringing in nuclear arms. He said Japan will continue to stress the importance of maintaining and bolstering the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Abe said he will call for cooperation from both nuclear and non-nuclear powers in an effort to create a nuclear-free world. He added he will urge world leaders and young people to learn about the misery caused by atomic bombing.
He pledged continuing support for Japan’s aging atomic bomb survivors.

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160806_12/

August 7, 2016 - Posted by dunrenard | Japan | nuclear weapons, Shinzo Abe