| Here today, on the occasion of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Ceremony marking the 60th 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. I will continue to work sincerely
to promote support measures, including provision of assistance to
atomic bomb victims living abroad, while accurately taking into account
the reality of the aging victims of the atomic bomb.
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 international efforts for
nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation and devote itself to
abolish nuclear weapons.
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 reached and grasped the hearts of the people of the
world, together with the image of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku
Dome), which has been included in the World Heritage List as a Cultural
Heritage site to serve as a testimony of history. 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.
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, 2005
Junichiro Koizumi
Prime Minister of Japan
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