TOKYO: Japan’s hope of securing unanimous support from the Group of Seven (G7) for its planned dumping of nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the sea was squashed after Germany voiced opposition.
Experts said the split views within the G7 showed that Japan’s reckless decision cannot even win the endorsement of its closest allies, not to mention among the international community.
At a press conference after the two-day G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Climate, Energy and Environment, Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said that “the steady decommissioning progress including the release of treated water into the ocean will be welcomed,” Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun reported on Sunday.
However, his remarks have been met with opposition from the German side.
Germany’s Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection Steffi Lemke said that she respects the efforts made by Tokyo Electric Power Co, operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, and the Japanese government after the nuclear accident, but she “cannot welcome the release of the treated water,” the newspaper reported.
Experts noted that Japan and Germany, which both belong to the G7 and developed countries club, normally would support each other on international occasions. However, the reason why Germany has voiced opposition this time is that, as an expert in this area, Germany knows that Japan’s claim that the nuclear-contaminated wastewater has met the disposal standard after treatment is a big cover-up that has left out a significant part of the truth.
–The Daily Mail-Global Times news exchange item
