PIF leaders reaffirmed on Friday the importance of science and data in guiding Japan’s decision on the discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater.
The importance of science and data in guiding political decisions on the proposed discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater from Japan has been reaffirmed by Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders.
Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders reaffirmed on Friday the importance of science and data in guiding Japan’s decision on the discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater.
“On the matter of the planned release by the government of Japan of Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS)-treated water, forum leaders reaffirmed the importance of science and data to guide political decisions on the proposed discharge,” outgoing PIF Chair and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said after the conclusion of the PIF special leaders’ meeting.
Meanwhile, incoming PIF Chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown stressed on Friday that Japan’s nuclear-contaminated wastewater discharge must be done safely.
He expressed his pleasure at recently travelling to Japan as part of the PIF delegation to express their concerns about the potential release of nuclear-contaminated wastewater.
The PIF has urged Japan to postpone the discharge of contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean. The Japanese government announced in January that the contentious plan to dump radioactive wastewater into the Pacific would begin in the spring or summer.
While emphasising that the Pacific region is steadfast that there will be no discharge until all parties confirm it is safe, PIF Secretary General Henry Puna recently stated that it is critical for the Pacific that Japan does not proceed with the release. He stated that the PIF must take action to avoid being led or misled into another major nuclear contamination disaster at the hands of others.
The PIF leaders’ meeting has been taking place in Nadi, Fiji’s third-largest city, since Thursday night, with the focus on the PIF’s solidarity. The meeting also discussed the Blue Pacific Continent 2050 Strategy and the transition of the PIF chair from Fiji to the Cook Islands.