N. Korea Slams IAEA for Fukushima Water Approval

North Korea has expressed strong criticism towards the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for endorsing Japan's proposal to release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea. 

The reclusive nation, through its state-run media, reiterated its staunch opposition to the discharge plan, emphasizing the potential "fatal adverse impact on human lives, security, and the ecological environment." 

According to an official statement from North Korea's Land and Environment Protection Ministry, the planned water release is perceived as highly detrimental. The official, quoted by the official Korean Central News Agency, underscored concerns about the implications for both the populace and the environment. 

In a safety review submitted to Japan last Tuesday, the IAEA asserted that the proposed water release adheres to international safety standards and would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment. 

However, North Korea criticized the IAEA's role in actively supporting and enabling Japan's intended discharge of water contaminated by nuclear substances, labeling such behavior as unimaginable. 

The senior North Korean official challenged the IAEA's competence, noting that the organization lacks authority in evaluating environmental matters. The statement pointed out the absence of any international legal provision granting the nuclear watchdog the power to authorize a country or region to release water deemed "nuclear-polluted." 

Furthermore, Pyongyang condemned IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi for exhibiting "extreme double standards," accusing him of denouncing North Korea's legitimate pursuit of nuclear programs while turning a blind eye to Japan's perceived "illegal and unethical act" jeopardizing global security and human lives. 

The statement also touched upon South Korean media reports alleging that Japan offered a significant financial incentive of 1 million euros ($1.1 million) to an IAEA staff member involved in inspecting the Fukushima water discharge, with the intention of modifying the final report. 

In response, the Japanese Foreign Ministry vehemently denied these allegations in late June, categorically stating that no political donation was made to the IAEA and refuting claims of pre-determined conclusions in the IAEA review report. 

Japan's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the spread of such false information, emphasizing its firm opposition to its dissemination.