Flags for peace: Seelow sets signs against nuclear weapons!

Flags for peace: Seelow sets signs against nuclear weapons!

Next Tuesday, an impressive sign will be set in front of town halls worldwide: green-white flags of the international urban alliance "Mayors for Peace" are hoisted. This campaign takes place as part of a global protest day for peace, nuclear disarmament and peaceful coexistence. Around 8,500 membership cities, including around 600 in Germany, support these initiatives, such as rbb24

The city of Seelow in the Märkisch-Oderland district is particularly committed. Mayor Robert Nitz emphasizes the importance of the day of action, which is placed in the historical context of the 80 years since the end of the Second World War this year. His demand for a clear commitment to nuclear disarmament is reinforced by the current geopolitical situation, especially with a view to the Ukraine conflict and the continuing tensions in the Middle East.

a strong network

The alliance "Mayors for Peace" was founded in 1982, after the devastating atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, by the then mayor of Hiroshima. In the meantime, it comprises over 8,000 member cities in 166 countries, with more than 800 municipalities also participating in Germany, such as "https://www.telepolis.de/features/8-000-staedte- against-atomare-ufruestung-10253682.html"> Telepolis . Hanover acts as "lead and executive city".

Belit Onay, Mayor of Hanover and Vice President of the Alliance, brings the topic of nuclear upgrade back into the spotlight. After decades of relative calm, according to Onay, we are now facing a new arms race, which is a serious threat to peace.

Current challenges

The current developments are worrying: According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, all nine nuclear powers have modernized their arsenales instead of how they upgrade. There are an estimated over 12,200 nuclear explosive heads worldwide. Military upgrade expenditure has risen globally, especially in Europe, which is due to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza Strip.

In Germany, around 20 US atomic bombs are currently stored in Büchel, with a planned modernization by 2026. This ensures critical discussions, since a deduction of all atomic bombs from Germany and Europe is required to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict. Katja Dörner, Mayor of Bonn, also emphasizes how important it is to create trust within the community and beyond. Bonn supports the Ukrainian city of Cherson with relief goods, which underlines solidarity.

The situation not only requires a rethink, but also concrete measures to create a nuclear weapons -free future. The "Mayors for Peace" are therefore committed to ensuring that international pressure is exerted to promote nuclear disarmament. The coming day of action offers a valuable opportunity to spread this important message and to raise awareness among the population.

As our city and many other municipal representatives all over the country show, it is up to us to set a strong sign for peace and nuclear armament. The time for this is ripe.