Dream of nuclear-weapon-free world can be realized, says Ban Ki Moon
(August 8, 2009) Despite the continued presence of thousands of nuclear weapons in
global arsenals, it is possible to achieve the goal of ridding the world of this deadly
scourge, U N Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told a gathering in the Japanese city of
Nagasaki. “A world without nuclear weapons may be distant, but it is no longer just
a dream,” Mr. Ban said in a message to the Seventh General Conference of Mayors for
Peace. “I look forward to continuing to work with governments and global citizens
to realize this shared vision.” Mr. Ban lauded the important work done by Mayors
for Peace, which has helped to inform millions of people around the world about the
catastrophic effects of the 1945 nuclear attacks. The initiative has also raised public
awareness about the dangers that cities, in particular, would face if these destructive
weapons were ever used again. “I am grateful for your advocacy because I share your
vision of a world free of nuclear weapons,” stated the Secretary-General. He recalled
the five-point plan he launched last October containing “practical and realistic”
steps the international community can take to make the vision of a nuclear-weapon-free
world a reality. The plan begins with a call for the parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT) to pursue negotiations on nuclear disarmament, either through a new convention
or through a series of mutually reinforcing instruments backed by a credible system
of verification.