Nongovernmental organizations from Japan, South Korea and Mongolia called on governments in Northeast Asia and elsewhere to push for the creation of a nuclear-weapons-free zone during a gathering at U.N. Headquarters on Thursday.
In a joint statement, the NGOs and other organizations said the establishment of the zone, which would cover Japan, South Korea and North Korea, would be "effective" to "break through the severe situation in Northeast Asia and work for lasting peace in the region."
The event was held at a time when nations are gathering at the United Nations to review the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, a conference held every five years.