Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Reviewing International Legal Procedures Regarding Japan's Nuclear Wastewater Discharge"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it is reviewing international judicial procedures in response to the Japanese government's decision to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

On the 14th, the spokesperson office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Our government has continuously consulted with international organizations and relevant countries regarding the issue of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Multilaterally, we plan to actively cooperate with internationally authoritative organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the concerned countries to ensure scientific and objective verification that the international community can accept," adding, "We are also reviewing international judicial procedures."

On the same day, President Moon Jae-in expressed concern over Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water and instructed to consider filing a case with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized, "Taking this Japanese decision as an opportunity, we plan to pursue all necessary diplomatic efforts prioritizing the safety of our citizens," and added, "We will strengthen bilateral diplomatic efforts targeting Pacific coastal countries that have direct concerns about damage from the discharge."

In this regard, it was also revealed that Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong recently shared serious concerns during the Korea-Singapore Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "After Japan's decision on the 13th, we once again conveyed our citizens' concerns about the Fukushima nuclear power plant contaminated water and our position to the U.S. side through the U.S. Embassy in Korea and the Embassy in the U.S.," and added, "At the ongoing Korea-China Maritime Affairs Dialogue meeting on the same day, we also shared mutual concerns on this issue with the Chinese side."