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On December 21, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 47th meeting of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
During the meeting, there was discussion on the draft plan for the lifting of evacuation orders and the return and housing of residents in zones designated for reconstruction and recovery.
 
Based on the discussion in the meeting, the Prime Minister said,
 
“Today, we approved the basic plan for the lifting of evacuation orders and the return and housing of residents in zones designated for reconstruction and recovery. By determining a specific path toward the lifting of evacuation orders in difficult-to-return-zones, we intend to further accelerate the development of towns that the people of this region hope for.
 
In line with this approval, the Government will work in unity to implement more tailored measures to protect against radiation, which fit in with the actual residents’ conditions, and to promote the creation of an environment in which people can return with peace of mind through measures such as decontamination work and infrastructure development.
 
The Government will exert every effort on the front lines beyond this reconstruction and revitalization period until the day we achieve the reconstruction of Fukushima.
 
I want the relevant ministers to continue to maintain close collaboration, while following through your focus on the frontlines, and do everything in your power for the reconstruction and revitalization of Fukushima, with the mindset that each and every Cabinet member is Minister for Reconstruction.”