Asked to evaluate Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong's remarks
Kato Katsunobu, Chief Cabinet Secretary: "No comment"
"Has been providing information transparently and actively to South Korea and the international community"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Regarding Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong's statement at the National Assembly the previous day that "there is no need to oppose if the discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima by Japan follows procedures in accordance with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards," the Japanese government responded by saying it is "the result of transparent and proactive information sharing with the international community, including South Korea."
On the 20th, Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu of the Japanese government, during a regular press conference in the morning, was asked how he evaluates Foreign Minister Chung's response at the National Assembly the previous day. He replied, "I will refrain from commenting on individual statements by foreign government officials," and made the above remarks.
Minister Kato reiterated the Japanese government's existing position on the disposal of contaminated water.
He stated that in the process of discharging contaminated water treated by the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS), "we will strictly comply with international law and Japanese domestic and international regulations and rules to ensure safety."
He added, "Specifically, based on relevant international laws and international practices, we will assess the potential impact on the marine environment before the actual discharge, and after the discharge, we will continue monitoring and take measures to understand the situation in the environment. We have expressed this position several times so far."
Minister Kato also said that the IAEA, which has expertise in the nuclear field, is scheduled to verify the handling and safety of ALPS-treated contaminated water.
However, he did not mention the possibility of South Korean experts participating in the IAEA verification process, as requested by the South Korean government.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Chung, in his response at the National Assembly the previous day, consistently demanded three points: ▲ prioritizing public health and safety while providing sufficient scientific evidence and sharing such information adequately, ▲ conducting more thorough prior consultations, and ▲ guaranteeing the participation of South Korean experts in the IAEA verification process. He stated that if Japan follows appropriate procedures in line with IAEA standards, South Korea would not necessarily oppose the discharge.
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