Nagasaki mayor: humanity and nuclear weapons cannot coexist
As Japan marked the anniversary of the US atomic bombing of Nagasaki, the city's mayor said humanity and nuclear weapons cannot coexist. The remarks came during a memorial ceremony honoring victims of the 1945 attack.
Japan on Wednesday marked the anniversary of the US atomic bombing of Nagasaki, which took place in 1945 during the final stages of World War II. At a memorial ceremony, the city's mayor addressed the continued threat posed by nuclear weapons.
The mayor's message
The mayor stated that humanity and nuclear weapons cannot coexist, stressing the need to abandon such weaponry. The statement was delivered during the official anniversary ceremony commemorating the victims of the 1945 bombing.
Historical background
The United States dropped atomic bombs on both Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, marking the only instance in history of nuclear weapons being used in warfare against cities. The attacks killed tens of thousands of people and hastened Japan's surrender, bringing World War II to an end.
Since then, Nagasaki and Hiroshima have held annual memorial ceremonies to honor the victims and call for the elimination of nuclear weapons worldwide.
