'No corner of the Earth should ever again be devastated by nuclear war', Secretary-General tells UNA of Japan.

'No corner of the Earth should ever again be devastated by nuclear war', Secretary-General tell UNA of Japan

Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, during a four-day trip to Japan (22-25 June), recalled that country's tragic suffering at the end of World War II and its "resurgence of inventiveness and industry" over the 40 years since then.

"The memory of Hiroshima and Nagasaki impels the determination that no corner of the Earth should ever again be devastated by nuclear war", he said. "And the powerful position in the global economy which Japan has won for itself is a dramatic illustration of the possibilities that can open if the world were relieved of the hideous burden of the arms race."

In an address to the United Nations Association (UNA) of Japan on 24 June, Mr. Perez de Cuellar said Japan had been a "consistently loyal" and "exceptionally generous" MEmber of the United Nations.

During his visit, Mr. Perez de Cuellar was also received in audience by Emperor Hirohito of Japan. He also addressed a special United Nations Day ceremony at EXPO 85 at Tsukuba, near Tokyo, and held private discussions with Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone and Foreign minister Shintao Abe.

UNA reception: At the UNA reception, the Secretary-General noted the international community's concern over the United Nations inability to settle explosive conflicts, halt the arms race, set up a more responsive system of economic relations and ensure observance of human rights. He said dissatisfaction with the machinery could not, however, be grounds for bypassing it or questioning the necessity of its existence.

"It is illogical in the extreme that precisely when there is the most need for multilateral co-operation, in relation both to world peace and to the world economy, there should arise a tendency to denigrate its instruments and disregard its rules."

Dissatisfaction with the working of an organization was one thing; cynicism about its values another. The former could lead to better procedures, greater efficacy and positive achievements; the latter could have no other effect than that of worsening an international situation that is already unsatisfactory, he said.

He called for reflection on what the very presence of the United Nations means to the international spirit and how much more dangerous a place the world would be without it. "The Charter of the United Nations derives its sanction from the conscience of humanity. Let that conscience speak during this anniversary year," he urged.

Itinerary: On 23 June, he toured the Tokyo National Museum, attended a performance of the Kabuki-za Theatre, and met with Daisaki Ikeda, President of Sokagakkai International and Einosuke Akiya, President of Sokagakkai, before attending a dinner in his honour in Mito, where he was made an honourary citizen of Ibaraki Prefecture by its Governor, Fujio Takeuchi.

At the dinner, the Secretary-General spoke of the emergence of Tsukuba Science City as a centre of Japanese scientific research and development, embracing more than 50 research and educational institutes.

On 24 June, the Secretary-General visited the United Nations Peace Pavilion and other exhibits at EXPO 85. A special United Nations Day ceremony followed. Addressing an audience of some 3,000, the Secretary-General expressed his admiration for Japan's impressive technological accomplishments, as signified by EXPO 85, and affirmed his gratitude for Japan's commitment to peace and support for the United Nations.

Later in the day, the Emperor of Japan received in audience the Secretary-General and Mrs. Perez de Cuellar.

The Secretary-General also met on 24 June with the Rev. Kikkyo Niwano, President of Rissho Koseikai, a Buddhist organization, and Ryoichi Sasakawa, Chairman of the Japan shipbuilding industry foundation.

On 25 June, his last day in Japan, the Secretary-General was guest of honour at a luncheon hosted by Foreign Minister Abe. Their main topic of discussion was the Iran-Iraq war. The Secretary-General shared his views following his visit to the two countries earlier this year and outlined his proposals for helping them end the war. Other matters raised included Central America, especially the role of the Contadora Group; terrorism, in light of recent events; the United Nations 40th Anniversary; and Japan's role in the Organization.

In a 30-minute meeting with Prime Minister Nakasone, many of the same issues were discussed, as well as the forthcoming 30th anniversary of Japan's membership in the United Nations.

Mr. Perez de Cuellar also received on 25 June from the Foreign Minister the instrument of Japan's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.