[Greens-Media] Australian Senator to address 6,000 in Hiroshima

[Pemberton, Rachel (Sen S. Ludlam)]

Media Release: Senator Scott Ludlam
Australian Greens Senator for WA

Sunday, 3 August 2008

Australian Senator to address 6,000 in Hiroshima

Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam will address 6,000 people
tomorrow, Monday 4 August, gathered in Hiroshima to mark the 63rd
anniversary of the nuclear attack on Japan. 

"To be in Hiroshima is a great honour.  I am deeply saddened and moved,
and also greatly inspired by the stories of the hibakusha, the survivors
of the atomic bombing," Senator Ludlam said. 

"We must do everything we can to amplify their story, their message,
their cry for an end to nuclear weapons. I share the dream of the
hibakusha, and I join their call:  Never again! No More Hibakusha! No
More Hiroshimas! No More Nagasakis!
 
The Australian Greens welcome the International Commission on Nuclear
Non-Proliferation and Disarmament announced by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd
after he heard the stories of the hibakusha.

"The Australia and Japanese governments are working together towards a
nuclear weapon free future," Senator Ludlam continued.  

"Australia and Japan can begin this effort by taking their own advice.
If we want the nuclear weapon states to put down nuclear weapons, we
must also find the courage and the trust to put down the nuclear
umbrella. 

"By remaining under the US nuclear umbrella, our countries use nuclear
weapons, as symbols, as part of security policies, and as part of our
national identities.  

"We can continue to have alliances, but let those alliances be between
equal sovereign states, and let those alliances be nuclear weapons free.

"In my country there is much suffering, sickness, and environmental
damage from uranium mining.  All nuclear dangers start with uranium
mining.  There is no safe level of radiation.  There are much safer ways
of generating electricity," Senator Ludlam concluded.

Prior to Senator Ludlam's visit, the last Australian politician in
Hiroshima was Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, the first serving western
leader to lay a wreath at the shrine in Hiroshima's Peace Park.

For comment call Rachel Pemberton 0417 174 302

www.scottludlam.org.au