日환경상 "후쿠시마 원전 오염수, 바다에 방류할 수밖에"

Strong backlash is expected from Japan's neighbors, following a controversial remark by a Japanese official, who claimed that there is no other way to dispose radioactive water leaks from the Fukushima power plant other than to discharge them in the ocean.
According to local media, Japanese Environment Minister Yoshiaki Harada told reporters on Tuesday that "he thinks" the only option left to deal with the contaminated water, is to drain it into the sea and dilute it.
The remarks came as Japan's Tokyo Electric Power is said to be running out of room to store the radioactive water that was used to keep fuel cores from melting since a powerful earthquake in 2011.
In response, South Korea's foreign ministry said that the remarks are not Japan's official stance, adding that the Seoul government is keeping a close watch on Tokyo's movements.
Stressing that the issue deals with the public's health and security, the ministry asked Japan to take a wise and prudent decision on the matter.