By Akihiko Kanatani

The Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 6 was attended by ambassadors and consuls from a record 35 countries, including Russia. Their numbers almost doubled last year's, also a historical high. Iran, which is developing a nuclear program, and Iraq, where terrorist bombing is part of the ever-worsening security situation, were among the 26 countries participating for the first time.

Fourteen countries, including Iraq and Bosnia-Herzegovina and Rwanda, both of which have been through civil war, sent their ambassadors. Also in attendance were consuls and other officials from 19 countries including Russia and Iran, while Egypt and Mexico sent their equivalent of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Counselor Andrei Kostin of Russia, the only nuclear weapon state represented, said, "It struck me again that nuclear weapons were used on civilians. My country possesses nuclear weapons, but let us work toward a world free of nuclear weapons and war."

In 1998, Hiroshima City began inviting the ambassadors to Japan of nuclear weapon states to attend the Peace Memorial Ceremony. Last year, which was the 60th anniversary, saw representatives of 18 countries, the most ever. This year, the city invited a total of 140 countries to send representatives.

(Caption)Ambassadors and counselors of various countries at the Peace Memorial Ceremon