[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] The Seocho District Council (Chairperson Kim Ansook) concluded the 306th extraordinary session, which lasted six days, with the 2nd plenary session on the 11th.
During the plenary session, the council unanimously adopted the "Resolution Urging the Full Withdrawal of Japan's Decision to Discharge Contaminated Water from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant into the Ocean," which was proposed by Councilor Jang Okjun.
In his proposal explanation, Councilor Jang Okjun stated that regarding the Japanese government's unilateral decision on April 13 to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, no objective or scientific verification data has been disclosed. He explained that such an arbitrary discharge could cause severe pollution of the surrounding seawater near the Korean Peninsula and, furthermore, irreversible adverse effects on all humanity. Therefore, he strongly condemns the Japanese government's decision and urges its withdrawal.
The resolution, read by Councilors Kim Sungjoo and Heo Eun on behalf of the council, includes ▲ strong condemnation of the Japanese government's decision to discharge radioactive contaminated water from Fukushima into the ocean ▲ immediate withdrawal of the decision to discharge Fukushima radioactive contaminated water, which would cause severe marine pollution and a disaster for humanity ▲ a strong call for the Korean government to cooperate with the international community and prepare active and effective countermeasures against Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water from the nuclear power plant.
Meanwhile, the 2nd plenary session also concluded by processing three ordinances, including the Seocho District Admission Preparation Fund Support Ordinance and the Seocho Love Gift Certificate Issuance and Operation Ordinance, as well as one consent item regarding the private consignment of management and operation of the Lifelong Education Center for People with Developmental Disabilities.
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Resolution Urging the Full Withdrawal of Japan's Decision to Discharge Contaminated Water from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant into the Ocean
The Seoul Metropolitan Seocho District Council strongly condemns the Japanese government's decision to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean and urges its immediate withdrawal.
On April 13, the Japanese government officially decided at a cabinet meeting to discharge over 1.25 million tons of highly radioactive contaminated water generated from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident into the ocean. This unilateral and arbitrary action has caused serious concerns not only among neighboring countries and the international community but also among environmental groups, civic organizations, and local fishermen in Japan.
Although the Japanese government claims it will treat the contaminated water through a multi-nuclide removal facility to reduce the concentration of radioactive materials to acceptable levels before discharging it into the ocean, it remains unclear whether tritium mixed in the water can be technically removed. Experts commonly agree that even if the radioactive contaminated water is diluted after being released into the Pacific Ocean as the Japanese government asserts, the total amount of discharged radioactivity does not change, making it by no means safe.
Moreover, research results indicate that the primary direct damage from the discharge will be to the coastal areas near Fukushima, but within 220 days, the contaminated water could reach Jeju Island, and within 400 days, the East Sea via the North Pacific currents, causing marine pollution.
Ultimately, radioactive substances will circulate along ocean currents, continuously polluting the sea and marine ecosystems, causing serious adverse effects on neighboring countries including South Korea and China.
Above all, given South Korea's geographical proximity to Japan, there are concerns that direct damage will be even greater.
The Japanese government's selfish and arbitrary decision must be recognized as the beginning of a global disaster that transcends borders through marine pollution and affects all humanity.
Accordingly, the Seoul Metropolitan Seocho District Council, representing the will of 430,000 residents, expresses strong regret over the Japanese government's irresponsible decision to discharge contaminated water into the ocean.
Furthermore, the Japanese government is urged once again to immediately withdraw the decision to discharge contaminated water and make a rational choice that the international community and neighboring countries can accept, and the following resolution is adopted.
First, the Seoul Metropolitan Seocho District Council strongly condemns the Japanese government's decision to discharge radioactive contaminated water from Fukushima into the ocean.
Second, the Japanese government must immediately withdraw the decision to discharge Fukushima radioactive contaminated water, which will cause severe marine pollution and a disaster for humanity.
Third, the Korean government must cooperate with the international community and prepare active and effective countermeasures against Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water from the nuclear power plant.
May 11, 2021
All members of the Seoul Metropolitan Seocho District Council
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