Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda held the 21st meeting of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the meeting, a decision was made to dissolve the Evacuation-Prepared Area in Case of Emergency.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said, "We as the Government have decided to dissolve the Evacuation-Prepared Area in Case of Emergency. Although we are making steady progress toward recovery and reconstruction, I acknowledge that there are a number of issues yet to be resolved, including thorough decontamination for radiation exposure, reopening of schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and clinics, rebuilding of infrastructure, and recovery of industry and employment.
In order that people can return to their homes with peace of mind, that people who have been forced to leave their homes are freed from anxiety about returning at the earliest date possible, the national government will play a leading role in decontamination and unite efforts to do all it can for the realization of municipal reconstruction plans.
Meanwhile, concerning the Restricted Area and the Deliberate Evacuation Area, we are doing our best for the early completion of Step 2, that is, achieving a state of cold shutdown within this year. While reinforcing these efforts, I would like to thoroughly discuss with relevant municipalities and others concerned about further zoning revisions.
Ay any rate, toward revival and reconstruction from the nuclear disaster, I would like to continue seamless efforts into the third supplementary budget and the FY2012 budget, and make sure that the national government will see to its ultimate completion."