Criticism of the United States dominated the discussion at both gatherings. At Gensuikin's World Congress, British Labor MP George Galloway pointed out, "The Iraq War was conducted to ensure Bush's reelection. That reelection is likely to bring more wars." At Gensuikyo's World Congress, Terry Rockefeller, who lost her older sister in the September 11 attacks, termed U.S. policy "destructive diplomacy," saying, "This is not the kind of resolution the bereaved families want."

How to thwart the U.S. administration's intent to "rule by force"? Participants are placing their hopes in the burgeoning anti-war movement around the world. The Japanese and foreign participants at both confabs are relying heavily on anti-war sentiment, which has grown to a pitch not seen since the Vietnam War. Speaker comments included, "We have to work hard in order to deliver the facts to the people," and "We can have a world free of war and nuclear weapons."

Regarding North Korea's nuclear program, which represents a menace to which the Japanese are especially sensitive, Gensuikin and Gensuikyo drew up declarations and resolutions calling for a peaceful resolution. They hope the six-party talks slated to begin soon will be successful.

Speakers deplored the U. S. administration's hardline stance toward that country, exemplified by labeling it a member of the "axis of evil." A Gensuikin speaker said, "Such comments could goad North Korea toward provoking a military incident." Similarly, a Gensuikyo speaker pointed out, "The U.S. policy of preemptive attack only increases the incentive for countries to develop nuclear weapons."

With respect to North Korea, although the two confabs expressed sharp disapproval of its announcements that it was withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and that it is developing nuclear weapons, they generally stopped short of calling for any specific action or making a concrete proposal. Because Japan and North Korea lack diplomatic relations, and since any approach from the outside is likely to be considered meddling, both gatherings called for grassroots action toward a resolution.

(By Junichiro Kanai and Hiromi Morita)