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Diplomatic Relations

The Gist of the Interventions by Prime Minister of Japan Seoul Nuclear Security Summit 27 March 2012

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

1. Introduction

 

(1) 

With the encouragement and support from countries worldwide, the reconstruction is now making steady progress in the affected areas.

 

(2) 

The nuclear accident, while caused by an enormous natural disaster, also provides findings and lessons useful for preparations against man-made incidents, such as one triggered by a terrorist attack against a nuclear power plant.

 

2. Three Lessons Learned from The Accident at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant

 

(1) 

The importance of preparing for unanticipated risks as the consequence of a nuclear accident could be devastating and wide-ranging, with long-term negative impacts.

 

(2) 

The necessity to master rapid response including through field drills jointly conducted by the police, the Japan Coast Guard and the Self-Defense Forces.

 

(3) 

The necessity to always prepare for the worst case scenarios and make continued efforts toward securing nuclear safety.

 

3. Measures taken in Japan to Strengthen Nuclear Security

 

(1) 

Overcoming the vulnerabilities in our Nuclear Facilities

 

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Augmenting of power supply equipment and reinforcement of vulnerabilities in the power supply system

 

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Increase of stocks of equipment, including radiation-shielded vehicles, survey meters and radiation protection suits

 

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Improvement of response procedures and inter-agency co-ordination manuals

 

(2) 

Strengthening our counter-terror related security measures

 

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Reinforcement of the manned guard structure: Increase in the number of armed security personnel, strengthening of the system of patrols and examination of the screening system for trustworthiness of workers at nuclear facilities

 

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Improvement of the protection of facilities and security equipment: Introduction of redundancies in central alarm stations and enhancement of protective measures for important equipment outside of inner areas

 

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Enhancement of information security: Strengthening of measures to block the computer systems of nuclear facilities from outside networks

 

4. International Cooperative Engagement to Raise Nuclear Security Levels Worldwide

 

(1) 

Raising security levels worldwide is essential to avert the risk of theft from countries with weak protection for use in terrorist acts against other target countries

 

(2) 

Promoting international cooperation in the area of nuclear security

 

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Expansion of human and material assistance to developing countries; hosting and training of human resources through our centre of excellence, i.e., the Integrated Support Centre for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Nuclear Security

 

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Coordination with like-minded countries through efforts to ensure transportation security and through participation in other initiatives

 

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Cooperation with the IAEA through continued contributions to the IAEA's Nuclear Security Fund and through sharing best practices in the implementation of IAEA recommendations

 

(3) 

In matters related to non-proliferation, the nuclear development programmes of Iran and North Korea are matters of grave concern. North Korea's launch of a missile under the guise of "a satellite," as recently announced, is against the non-proliferation efforts of the international community and violates relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The international community strongly urges North Korea to exercise restraint and cancel the launch.

 

(4) 

From the perspective of both nuclear disarmament and nuclear security, halting the production of weapons-grade fissile material carries great significance. The early commencement of negotiations on an FMCT is called for.

 

5. Concluding Remarks

 

(1) 

Confident of human kind in its capability and wisdom to utilise science-based lessons from disaster experiences for future development

 

(2) 

Need to protect the achievements of science and technology from terrorist attacks, to use resources safely and effectively, and to hand over security and prosperity to our future generations

 

(3) 

At the end of this year, in cooperation with the IAEA, Japan will host an international conference in Fukushima to enhance nuclear safety around the world

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