Kazakhstan plays leading role in world nuclear non-proliferation, Ypres Mayor Luc Dehaene

17:19, 27 August 2011

USSELS. August 27. KAZINFORM /Dimash Syzdykov/ As is known, Kazakhstan is one of the leaders in the global process of non-proliferation. Our country has voluntarily abandoned the world's fourth nuclear arsenal by shutting down the Semipalatinsk nuclear testing range.

In 2009 at the 64^th session of the UN GA the Kazakh Government proposed to declare the International Day against Nuclear Tests. Its unanimous support in the UN General Assembly reflects the international community's deep concern at the dangers posed by nuclear weapons tests. On eve of this significant date Kazinform correspondent met with representative of Mayors for Peace international organization which urges the world to elimination of nuclear weapons by the year 2020, Ypres Mayor Luc Dehaene.

Mr Dehaene, could you tell us about the organization you are representing...

Mayors for Peace is an international organization of cities, dedicated for the promotion of peace that was established in 1982 at the initiative of then mayor of Hiroshima. Mayors for Peace was started in Japan and since then Mayors throughout the world have signed on. When Mayors sign on it means they support the commencement of negotiations to abolish and eliminate nuclear weapons by the year 2020. Mayors for Peace counts 5 000 cities around the world.

The organization's secretariat is located in Ypres? Why?

Today the city of Ypres hosts the international campaign secretariat of Mayors for Peace for Ypres was one of the first places where chemical warfare was employed.

What could you say about Kazakhstan's role in this movement?

Kazakhstan plays the leading role in prohibiting of any kinds of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass annihilation around the world. In 1995 your country showed the world that it is possible to renounce nuclear weapons. We hope it will inspire other countries to make the same move.

Five cities of Kazakhstan have joined the organization so far. We would appreciate if other cities of Kazakhstan join us. Along with these cities and President Nursultan Nazarbayev we serve the good purpose - for nuclear weapons free world. The Head of State shut down Semipalatinsk testing range. As you see the words may turn into deeds. It is high time to work together.

Interview Diplomacy For Nuclear Weapons Free World Politics