Protest letter against the DPRK nuclear test (September 9, 2016)

September 9, 2016

His Excellency Mr. Kim Jong-Un
Chairman of the State Affairs Commission
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Letter of Protest

Today we learned that your country conducted a nuclear test for the fifth time, despite the international community’s strong call for self-restraint. This is the second test within less than one year, and throughout this period you repeatedly launched ballistic missiles. These provocations by your country are callously trampling on our hibakusha’s ardent wish for peace, which is embodied in their message; “No one else should ever suffer as we have.” I am outraged at your unacceptable deeds of violence.

At the 71st United Nations General Assembly, which will open on the 13th of next week, the start of negotiations in 2017 on a legally-binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons is planned to be discussed. Your nuclear test, conducted at a moment of increasing anticipation of new momentum for a world without nuclear weapons, is an overt challenge to the international community which has been working in earnest towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. It shall not be tolerated. On behalf of the A-bombed city of Hiroshima, I once again vehemently protest.

I demand anew, in the strongest possible terms, that your country immediately abandon all nuclear weapons and their development programs, and engage in a diplomatic effort through dialogue and collaboration with the international community.

MATSUI Kazumi
Mayor
The City of Hiroshima