Independent probe launched into Japan's nuclear disaster

[News_Editor]

Independent probe launched into Japan's nuclear disaster

2011-06-08 06:46:17 GMT+7 (ICT)

TOKYO (BNO NEWS) -- An independent panel of experts on Tuesday launched a probe into Japan's nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant, the first official investigation since the March 11 deadly earthquake and tsunami.

According to the Japan Times, the panel headed by Yotaro Hatamura, a professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, will analyze the incident with the objective of unveiling the "the true nature of the accident."

The experts will have the authority to question Tokyo Electric Power Co. and government officials as well as Cabinet ministers, including Prime Minister Naoto Kan. The ultimate aim of the probe is to prevent similar disasters.

"I want the panel to ultimately compile a report that answers to the international community," said PM Kan. "I think Japan's reputation as a nation depends on whether it can gain international trust by disclosing everything resulting from the investigation into the cause of the crisis."

The preliminary report of the independent panel of experts is expected to be released by the end of the year and a final report will be compiled once the Fukushima nuclear power plant is stabilized.

Hatamura added that the panel's objective is to find the truth and not blaming individuals for the crisis because that could negatively impact the development of the investigation as a person being questioned may refuse to respond over the possibility of being held accountable.

On May 17, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced an international expert fact-finding mission to Japan to review the country's nuclear crisis. The visit which finalized on June 1 said that Japan's response to the crisis has been exemplary-

"Japan's response to the nuclear accident has been exemplary, particularly illustrated by the dedicated, determined and expert staff working under exceptional circumstances," reported the IAEA mission. "Japan's long-term response, including the evacuation of the area around stricken reactors, has been impressive and well organized."

However, IAEA's experts from a dozen countries recommended the Japanese governemtn to launch a follow-up program on public and worker exposures and health monitoring as well as improving the power plant's designs and nuclear regulatory systems.

On Monday, the Japan Research Institute announced that reconstruction efforts in the country will cost between 14 trillion yen ($174.58 billion) and 18 trillion yen ($224.46 billion) in the upcoming 10 years.

Japan has already allocated a 4 trillion yen ($48.89 billion) emergency budget to finance the early phase of reconstruction efforts following the disaster, which has resulted in the death of over 14,000 people.

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