Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: This question is with regard to the Restricted Area, which forms a 20-kilmeter radius around the TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The media has reported that areas within the Restricted Area that have particularly high radiation levels are to be designated as long-term no-return zones. Does the Government intend to distinguish these areas, where people cannot return home for the long-term, from other areas and aim to commence the phased return home for residents? Please clarify this.

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: First, the Government is exerting every effort to achieving Step 2 before the yearend. This is currently our top priority. Even after we have achieved Step 2, we will then have to begin addressing mid- to long-term countermeasures, such as the removal of melted fuel. At any rate, concerning this talk about different areas, we will continue to discuss this moving forward with the aim of establishing some form of direction before the end of Step 2.

(Abridged)