Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

JAPANESE

Q&As

REPORTER: A moment ago, you met with Mr. Yukiya Amano, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). What did you two discuss?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I expressed my gratitude for the variety of cooperation the IAEA has extended in the wake of the nuclear incident, and asked for the organization's further cooperation moving forward. The IAEA, in turn, said that it will cooperate in any way it can. That was our discussion.

REPORTER: You said Mr. Amano had indicated that the IAEA would like to cooperate in the areas of the decontamination of Fukushima or the handling of spent fuels. Specifically, what is the policy for conducting this work in partnership with the Government going forward?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Regarding various matters beginning with the items you just identified, we will ask the IAEA to share its knowledge and information as broadly and detailed as possible. Furthermore, we, too, will thoroughly inform the IAEA about the various forthcoming processes. I believe there will be times when we will ask the IAEA to share more detailed information about specific items on which the IAEA has. On the other hand, I believe there will also be times when the IAEA will look at the roadmap and tell us that it has knowledge about a particular item. At any event, we will be exchanging and sharing information in close coordination through our diplomatic authorities.

REPORTER: Regarding beef produced in Miyagi Prefecture, I understand that the Government will soon be issuing a new order to suspend shipments from all areas of Miyagi Prefecture. Can you verify the facts?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: As you are aware, we issued shipment restrictions on July 19 for beef produced in Fukushima Prefecture. We are studying the situation in other municipalities, and we intend to implement shipment restrictions and other measures as necessary. Although a variety of studies are underway and considerations are being made, nothing has been decided as of right now.

REPORTER: The various prefectures have decided to or are considering testing all of the cattle in their respective prefectures. Is the Government considering bearing the costs of these tests?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Since the situation is different by region, I believe we need to fully understand the facts or circumstances. Of course, from the perspective of the prefectures, I'm sure they would like us to quickly decide on a policy. Bearing this in mind, the Government would like to consider such measures as the one you just indicated, while placing our foremost priority on safety.

REPORTER: I have a question on the disposal of waste, such as rubble, and soil. According to reports, the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) and the Government have finalized a policy for Diet members to establish a special measures act which will permit the Government to directly carry out the disposal work. What is the status of the considerations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: I understand that the party is studying this matter with the intention of establishing a legislation which is initiated by Diet members and that the Ministry of the Environment is exchanging a variety of information. While I have been informed that the discussions are very much in the final stages, I have not yet heard that a final conclusion has been reached.

REPORTER: I have a question on assistance for voluntary evacuations in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear incident. Right now, unless people have evacuated from the areas for which the Government has issued evacuation orders, they cannot receive the provisional deposits from the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) or the donation payments. However, I believe many people have evacuated their children. In this context, what are your thoughts on compensation payments covering the costs of voluntary evacuations as requested by Fukushima Prefecture?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: First, regarding whether or not people who are evacuating voluntarily are able to receive compensation, naturally they will be able to receive compensation if there is legally sufficient cause, irrespective of whether they are evacuating voluntarily. However, as speed is sought in any event, provisional payments are being made based on the guidelines that the deliberative council has issued sequentially, beginning with what is clear. In other words, since there are a variety of people, beginning with those who live relatively close to the nuclear power station even within Fukushima Prefecture, I believe it is quite difficult to provide compensations right now across the board to those who are evacuating voluntarily. Nevertheless, I hope that the measures for those people who are evacuating voluntarily with legally sufficient cause are decided as quickly as possible.

(Abridged)