Japan's Submission of a Draft Resolution on Nuclear Disarmament and
a Draft Resolution on Small Arms and Light Weapons
to The United Nations General Assembly

11 October 2002

1. On 10 October 2002 (October 11, Japan Time), the government of Japan submitted to the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly a draft resolution on nuclear disarmament entitled, "A path to the total elimination of nuclear weapons.", and a draft resolution on small arms and light weapons.
2. Given the change in the international political situation concerning nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, it is of the greatest importance for Japan, the only country to have suffered from atomic bombs, to steadily continue its efforts towards the elimination of nuclear weapons through a practical and progressive approach, grounded in the earnest national wish to eliminate nuclear weapons. Based on this fundamental concept, Japan has proposed this draft resolution.
3. Japan has also submitted a draft resolution on small arms and light weapons with a view to gather the cooperation of the international community to prevent the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons through such measures as the implementation of the Programme of Action.
4. The voting on the draft resolution will be held between October 21 and 29, after a series of discussions in the Committee.