With the Iraqi situation becoming increasingly tense, RENGO lodged a demand with the United States Embassy on January 24 and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 30th. RENGO’s demand to the U.S. Embassy sought that the U.S. government find a peaceful resolution in line with international opinion from the standpoint that Japan is the only country in the world to have experienced nuclear bombs. RENGO also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify Japan’s stance opposing the U.S. government’s use of military power.

Photo: RENGO called for a peaceful settlement to the Iraqi crisis. (Jan. 30, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.)

RENGO visited the US. Embassy on January 24 and lodged its demand that the U.S. adhere to a peaceful settlement of the Iraqi crisis. Receiving the demand from RENGO Department of Economic & Social Policy Executive Director Narukawa and other RENGO officials, U.S. Embassy Counselor for Labor Affairs Ann M. Kambara said, “we cannot say anything about future” but it is natural to pursue a peaceful resolution as this “is a matter of importance not only for the U.S. but also the world.” She promised to deliver RENGO’s demands to the U.S. government.
RENGO also served a demand to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 30. RENGO Department of Organizational Affairs Executive Director Abe explained the contents of RENGO demand at the outset. He stressed the following three points:
(1) Clarify Japan’s stance opposing U.S. use of military force, (2) Should the U.S. conduct an armed attack in disregard of international opinion, Japan will not approve or support it, and (3) The Japanese government should pressure the U.S. government to settle the Iraqi problem peacefully.
Responding to RENGO’s demand, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Secretary, and House of Representatives member Yoshitaka Shindo remarked that (RENGO’s position) is “same as the Japanese government’s.” Further, he said what is most important is to urge Iraq to eradicate any threat of weapons of mass destruction.