Japan marks Hiroshima bombing anniversary

epa05457633 Doves fly up past a cenotaph and the Atomic Bomb Dome during the peace memorial ceremony marking the 71st anniversary of the nuclear bombing of the city at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, western Japan, 06 August 2016. Hiroshima marked the 71st anniversary of the world's first nuclear bombing of the city on 06 August. EPA/KIYOSHI OTA

TOKYO: Japan on Saturday marked 71 years since the city of Hiroshima was destroyed by a US atomic bomb, as its mayor urged the world to unite in abolishing nuclear weapons.

The annual ceremony came just months after Barack Obama became the first sitting US president to visit the city, paying moving tribute to victims of the first atomic bomb.