DP passes resolution on Fukushima water discharge

The liberal Democratic Party adopted a resolution calling on the government to file a complaint with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea over Japan's plan to release treated radioactive water from its Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Lawmakers deliberate on a series of bills in a plenary session of the National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul, on Friday. [NEWS1]

The liberal Democratic Party (DP) adopted a parliamentary resolution Friday calling on the government to file a complaint with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea over Japan's plan to release treated radioactive water from its defunct Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Earlier this week, DP lawmakers of the National Assembly's oceans and fisheries committee unilaterally passed the resolution, which was boycotted by the People Power Party (PPP).

The PPP has criticized the DP's disregard for governmental authority and alleged attempts to undermine its diplomatic efforts with Japan.

The resolution was passed Friday with 171 votes in favor and one abstention.

PPP lawmakers boycotted the vote, protesting the DP for putting to vote the resolution. They also called off a potential parliamentary hearing on the Fukushima water discharge that the opposing parties had previously discussed.

BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]