This year’s Nobel Peace Prize winners embody determination and
resilience in the face of tragedy. For decades, the members of Nihon
Hidankyo have served as a human testament to the catastrophic human toll
of nuclear weapons, telling a story that humanity needs to hear. On
behalf of the United States, I congratulate them on being awarded the
Nobel Peace Prize for their historic work to ensure that nuclear weapons
are never used again. We also congratulate Japan for this recognition of
the moral clarity and steadfast commitment of its people and government
to prevent the spread and use of nuclear weapons. As I was powerfully
reminded last year when I visited Hiroshima and met with a survivor of
the bombing, we must continue making progress toward the day when we can
finally and forever rid the world of nuclear weapons. The United States
stands ready to engage in talks with Russia, China, and North Korea
without preconditions to reduce the nuclear threat. There is no benefit
to our nations or the world to forestall progress on reducing nuclear
arsenals. Reducing the nuclear threat is important not despite the
dangers of today’s world but precisely because of them. These nuclear
risks erode the norms and agreements we have worked collectively to put
in place and run counter to the vital work of today’s Nobel Laureates.
Yesterday’s announcement by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee reminds us
that we must continue our progress toward a world free from the threat
of nuclear weapons. Let us all take inspiration from this year’s Nobel
Peace Prize winners and recommit ourselves to the vital work of building
a safer world.
ongratulating-nobel-peace-prize-winners/
