John Kerry, US Climate Envoy, "Japan Closely Cooperates with IAEA on Contaminated Water Discharge Procedures"

John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] John Kerry, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, stated on the 18th regarding Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water from Fukushima, "Japan has cooperated very closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)" and "I am confident they will continue to do so."

During a press conference held at a hotel in downtown Seoul while visiting South Korea, Special Envoy Kerry was asked whether the U.S. shares South Korea's concerns. He responded, "The key is Japan's continued cooperation while the IAEA monitors the (discharge) process," emphasizing this point.

Special Envoy Kerry said, "The U.S. is confident that the Japanese government has fully consulted with the IAEA, and that the IAEA has established very strict (discharge) procedures," adding, "We know that Japan has weighed all options and impacts."

When asked whether the U.S. could play a role in ensuring Japan provides sufficient information to South Korea, he replied, "We need to observe how this proceeds and how Japan acts, but we are not currently planning to intervene. Since the process is already underway with very clear regulations and expectations, we do not think it is appropriate for the U.S. to step in."

These remarks by Special Envoy Kerry are interpreted to mean that the U.S. does not oppose the discharge decision itself and has no intention to intervene as long as there are no issues during the IAEA verification process.