Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Sending letters from the opposition is not helpful... Diplomatic acts are the government's exclusive authority"

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Opposition's Letter to 18 PIF Countries
Not Helpful for Scientific and Objective Verification
National Diplomatic Acts Are Exclusive Executive Authority
No Plan to Resume Japanese Seafood Imports

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the Democratic Party of Korea for recently sending a letter to the member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) regarding the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan, stating that "such measures without presenting scientific evidence do not help objective verification and judgment." In particular, it strongly criticized by saying, "Diplomatic acts of the state under the Constitution are the exclusive authority of the executive branch."

At a regular briefing on the 27th, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-seok said, "While the National Assembly can assist or provide support in terms of parliamentary diplomacy, I believe it is appropriate to help the executive branch, which has exclusive authority, especially to carry out diplomatic acts effectively."

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Criticizes PIF Letter... Ruling Party Resolution Adopted, "Relevant Ministries to Review"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited the hunger strike site opposing the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in front of the National Assembly on the 26th and talked with lawmakers Woo Won-sik and Yoon Jae-gap. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

On the same day, a Foreign Ministry official told reporters that the Democratic Party’s activities would be "judged according to the situation going forward." He added, "The government does not oppose parliamentary diplomacy itself. However, in terms of the executive branch’s exclusive authority in diplomacy, it will review matters on a case-by-case basis from the standpoint of legitimacy," showing a firm stance.

Earlier, on the 21st, as part of the campaign to stop the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, the Democratic Party sent letters under the names of the party leader and lawmakers to 18 countries belonging to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The contents were not disclosed. They stated that if replies are received, they will collect them and hold a briefing. The Democratic Party explained that they shared common concerns such as marine safety and food safety with PIF member countries and urged cooperation on various measures, including filing a case with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.

Regarding the resolution adopted by members of the National Assembly’s Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, led by Democratic Party lawmakers, titled "Resolution to Withdraw Fukushima Contaminated Water Discharge and Urge Measures to Protect Fishermen," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "It is still too early to make a judgment," adding, "Not only the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but also the National Assembly Secretariat’s task force are responding, so relevant ministries will consult and review the content."

Opposition party members of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Food, and Maritime Affairs Committee passed a resolution on the morning of the 27th during a plenary session, urging the withdrawal of the Fukushima contaminated water discharge plan and the establishment of measures to ensure the safety of seafood and protect fishermen.

"No Plan to Resume Seafood Imports... Bilateral Talks at ARF Being Coordinated"

Regarding the resumption of seafood imports from Fukushima, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Our government has no plans to resume seafood imports. We will prioritize the health and safety of our people and will consider it only when the public can consume seafood with confidence."

Regarding reports by Japanese foreign media about the trilateral deputy ministerial meeting among Korea, the U.S., and Japan in July and the trilateral summit in August, the Ministry stated, "No schedule has been set for the deputy ministerial meeting." However, it mentioned that bilateral talks with major participating countries are being coordinated on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

The ARF is a multilateral consultative forum where foreign ministers of 27 countries in the Asia-Pacific region meet once a year to discuss political and security issues. It includes the 10 ASEAN countries, Korea, the U.S., China, Japan, Russia, Australia, and other major countries. This year, the ARF will be held on the 14th of next month in Jakarta, Indonesia. Korea has almost always held talks with the foreign ministers of the four major powers surrounding the Korean Peninsula (the U.S., China, Japan, and Russia) and other major countries during the ARF to discuss and manage bilateral issues.