An effective Operations Centre to manage logistics, communications, relations with NGOs and related administration. A two-year Budget has been prepared and approaches are being made to potential funders. The essence of the MPI is to seek the start of multilateral negotiations on nuclear disarmament. These include the possibilities and problems of verification of, and compliance with, the elimination of nuclear weapons. This approach stands a good chance of gathering considerable media attention.
Humanity provides our common bond.
The 26,000 deaths and maimings each year from landmines were presented in their full horror, with limbless children appealing directly to political leaders. The Middle Powers Initiative will require careful, discreet diplomacy and immense perseverance. Russian militarism and paranoia are being revived by NATO expansion. Gigantic vested interests are opposed to nuclear weapons abolition. After 50 years of pro-nuclear propaganda, lawlessness and lies, massive loss of face is another obstacle.