IAEA chief backs Japan's plan to release Fukushima water

In a press conference in Tokyo held after a meeting with Japanese prime minister, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the IAEA said Japan's plan is, "as it has been proposed and devised, is in conformity with the agreed international standard."

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi attends a joint press conference with Japan's Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi on Tuesday. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) backed Japan’s plan to release treated wastewater from the ruined Fukushima nuclear plant in its seventh and final report released Tuesday.

In a press conference in Tokyo held after a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the IAEA said Japan's plan to discharge the treated wastewater "as it has been proposed and devised, is in conformity with the agreed international standard."

The IAEA chief handed the final comprehensive report to Kishida during the meeting.

"Based on its comprehensive assessment, the IAEA has concluded that the approach to the discharge of ALPS-treated water into the sea, and the associated activities by TEPCO, NRA, and the Government of Japan, are consistent with relevant international safety standards," the IAEA said in the latest report.

BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]