On the Road to Peace

David Krieger, President of NAPF, and Rick Wayman, Director of Programs, will be in Geneva speaking at the 2013 Preparatory Committee Meeting for the 2015 Review Conference on the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Many may not be aware that the Non-Proliferation Treaty has a binding obligation for countries to engage in good faith negotiations for nuclear disarmament. At this critical time, with the North Korean situation escalating, Krieger and Wayman will be working towards holding world leaders accountable to their obligations.

Of primary focus will be their efforts to network with and support a consortium of top NGOs around an unprecedented campaign set to launch later this year. The Foundation’s timely new initiative consists of several coordinated efforts that will press the U.S. and other nuclear weapon countries to call for a Nuclear Weapons Convention and begin negotiations for the worldwide elimination of nuclear weapons in a phased, verifiable, irreversible and transparent manner.

“It’s our hope that this initiative will pierce the veil of apathy shrouding the nuclear disarmament issue and build real momentum towards nuclear disarmament. We must begin a new conversation, one that leads us to solutions for everyone, no matter what country one calls home.” said Krieger.

Prior to Geneva, Wayman is in the nation’s capital participating in the 25th Annual “DC days,” April 14 – 17. “DC days” is organized by the Alliance for Nuclear Accountability. The event brings together activists from around the country to speak about the impact of nuclear weapons in their communities. Nearly 100 pre-set meetings are taking place with members of Congress, their staff, and top officials in the Obama Administration.

Wayman is urging Congress and the Administration to prevent further modernization of the U.S. nuclear weapons complex. According to Wayman, “The Obama Administration’s 2014 budget, which was recently released, proposes increases to the nuclear weapons budget while cutting most other federal spending. I plan to reach out to Democrats and Republicans alike to seek the elimination of costly and unnecessary nuclear weapons programs that cost taxpayers billions each year.”

Founded in 1982, the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation’s mission is to educate and advocate for peace and a world free of nuclear weapons and to empower peace leaders. The Foundation is a non-partisan, non-profit organization with consultative status to the United Nations and is comprised of individuals and groups worldwide who realize the imperative for peace in the nuclear age. For more information, visit http://www.wagingpeace.org.