US Ambassador Skips Nagasaki Memorial Due to Israel Exclusion

US Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, will not attend the Nagasaki atomic bombing memorial due to Israel's exclusion. Nagasaki officials cite concerns over the Middle East conflict. Emanuel will instead honor the victims at a Tokyo Buddhist temple. Other ambassadors also expressed concern over the exclusion.

US Ambassador Rahm Emanuel has announced he will not attend this year's atomic bombing memorial service in Nagasaki. The reason, according to the US embassy, is the politicized decision by Nagasaki officials to exclude Israel from the event.

Instead, Emanuel plans to honor the victims at a ceremony in a Buddhist temple in Tokyo. The decision has sparked controversy, as emissaries from other Group of Seven countries and the European Union have also opted against sending ambassadors.

Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki defended the exclusion, citing risks of potential protests or violence due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Despite the outcry, Nagasaki stands firm in its decision, aiming for a peaceful and solemn ceremony.

(With inputs from agencies.)