[Asia Economy Reporter Joo-mi Lee] Koo Yoon-chul, Director of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, emphasized that the report stating the United States showed a positive reaction to Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant does not mean "Well done, proceed as is."
On the 14th, Koo appeared on YTN Radio's "Hwang Bo-seon's Start of a New Morning" and said, "I read the original text several times," adding, "Since Japan said it would do so according to international standards, I understand it to mean that both the Japanese government and the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) will monitor that part."
He continued, "The Japanese government may have told the U.S. government and the IAEA that it would discharge the water according to international standards, but it means they will check to ensure no damage occurs according to global guidelines," he added.
He also emphasized, "The term 'monitoring' was used," and said, "Doesn't 'monitoring' also imply that if the inspection is not possible, it should be stopped?"
On the same day, Koo also appeared on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus" and dismissed the notion by saying, "The media says the U.S. and IAEA approve, but that is not the concept," adding, "It is intended to verify that Japan's discharge complies with international safety standards."
Earlier, on the 12th, the U.S. State Department stated in a press release that "(Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant) is in accordance with international safety standards." This led to interpretations that the U.S. effectively supported Japan's decision.
The IAEA also stated on the 13th, "The treatment method chosen by Japan is technically feasible and follows international practices," and "We welcome Japan's announcement."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
