Statement by Minister Coveney to mark 77th anniversary of atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Statement

"Today, we commemorate all those who lost their lives in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We pay tribute to the dignity, courage and resilience of those who survived. We also recall the other victims and survivors of thousands of nuclear tests that occurred in the second half of the 20th century."

"Seventy-seven years after the utter destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the world is facing heightened nuclear danger. Russia has threatened use of nuclear weapons in the conduct of its war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia's nuclear rhetoric, as well as its reckless military actions in and near civilian nuclear facilities, are wholly unacceptable. The risks posed by these actions serve as an urgent reminder that the lack of progress on nuclear disarmament undermines global security."

"Despite the current difficult context, it is vital that countries meeting in the framework of the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference in New York, agree concrete actions on nuclear disarmament, including urgent action to reduce nuclear risks.

We can delay no longer. These indiscriminate weapons, which threaten the safety of humanity and our planet, must be put beyond use. Ireland is ready to work with all states to progress this goal."

|