The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) announced on Sept. 19 that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) delivered its position to have dealt with the issue of contaminated water at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
Vice Science Minister Moon Mi-ok and NSSC Chairman Eom Jae-sik attended the 63rd IAEA general meeting in Vienna, Austria during Sept. 16~20 (local time) to express their concerns over the handling of contaminated water at the Fukushima nuclear power plant and the South Korean government's opinions on international cooperation.
During the meeting, Moon met with Cornel Feruta, acting director-general of the IAEA. Regarding the handling of contaminated water at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, Moon asked the IAEA to take an active interest and role in the level of response to the Fukushima accident.
The vice minister also argued that the treatment of contaminated water at the Fukushima nuclear power plant should be reviewed in accordance with the basic principles of radiation protection in an objective and transparent manner through the consent of the international community.
Meanwhile, Cornel Feruta said the issue is as important as all issues related to nuclear safety.
Chairman Eom held a bilateral meeting with Fuketa Toyoshi, chairman of Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA).
Eom pointed out that making remarks about marine discharges by the regulator, who must maintain neutrality and independence, could affect the process of determining how to deal with the contaminated water.