Dec 05 (Kyodo) - The U.N. General Assembly on Monday endorsed a Japanese antinuclear resolution by a wide margin, although fewer countries backed it than in previous years amid perceptions of backpedaling on disarmament.
The motion, submitted by Japan for the 24th year in a row, was supported by 156 nations, down 11 from last year. It was opposed by the same four nations as last year -- China, North Korea, Russia and Syria -- while 24 abstained, up by eight.
Among other things the resolution "renews the determination of all states to take united action toward the total elimination of nuclear weapons through easing of international tension and strengthening the trust between states...in order to facilitate disarmament and through strengthening the nuclear nonproliferation regime."
