Top �� Speeches and Statements by Prime Minister

(Provisional Translation) Address by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi at the Hiroshima Memorial Service for the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony

Here today, on the occasion of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony marking the 59th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, I reverently pay sincere tribute to the souls of the atomic bomb victims. Furthermore, I express my heartfelt sympathy for those suffering from the after-effects of the atomic bomb. With regard to the atomic bomb victims, I have been working to enhance comprehensive support measures spanning health care, medical treatment and welfare. The Government of Japan is planning to subsidize health and medical care expenses in order for atomic bomb victims living abroad to be able to receive appropriate treatment at their local medical institutions from this autumn. I will continue to work sincerely to promote support measures by accurately reflecting on the reality of the aging victims of the atomic bomb. After the war, Hiroshima witnessed great development as an international city of peace and culture. I would like to express my heartfelt respect to the countless people who consistently poured their energies into the reconstruction of Hiroshima. The desire of the citizens of Hiroshima in their post-war efforts towards the realization of world peace has been firmly planted along with the name of "Hiroshima" in the hearts and minds of the people of the world. I strongly believe that Hiroshima will continue to develop as a symbol of world peace and as a city that attracts people who are pursuing peace. As the only nation in human history to be bombed with atomic weapons, Japan will continue to comply with its peace constitution and firmly maintain the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, with its strong commitment not to repeat the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japan will lead the international community to promote nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation and devote itself to abolish nuclear weapons through its enhancement of efforts to call on governments for early ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). I would like to conclude my address by offering my heartfelt prayer for the repose of the atomic bomb victims' souls and my best wishes for the future to the atomic bomb survivors and the bereaved families, and for the further prosperity of the City of Hiroshima. August 6, 2004 Junichiro Koizumi Prime Minister of Japan