Pacific Island Forum Secretary General Henry Puna says he has placed the highest priority on the Fukushima nuclear wastewater issue and aligned to the positions pronounced by Forum leaders.

In a statement, Mr Puna said the Forum Secretariat had worked with all members to pursue different avenues over the last three years to urge Japan to take all steps necessary to address any potential harm to the Pacific.

They had also urged Japan to take all appropriate measures within its territory, jurisdiction and control to prevent transboundary harm to the territory of another state as required under international law.

He said by the same token, they had relied on Japan’s assurances that discharge would not take place if it was not verifiably safe to do so, as well as their commitment to ensuring that any release would “not be allowed in a manner that endangers the lives of Japanese citizens or those of the citizens of Pacific Island countries”.

“Our leaders have noted the latest IAEA report. We have considered the advice of our PIF independent scientific experts over the past 18 months and thank them for their contribution. We are now aware of the announced discharge commencement by TEPCO, and the government of Japan,” Mr Puna said.

“It remains clear, however, that there continues to be divergent views and responses in the international community and within the Forum membership on this issue, and I recognise the sovereignty and prerogative of Forum members to determine their own national positions.

“These developments continue to fuel our unwavering commitment to addressing this unprecedented issue.”

Mr Puna said the Forum Secretariat would continue to provide the latest information and updates to the upcoming Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting next month for further discussion and consideration, and from there to the PIF Leaders Meeting in the Cook Islands on November 10.

He added the Forum Secretariat would also continue to facilitate ongoing dialogue with the Japanese government and the IAEA to ensure Forum members were privy to the latest updates.

“This will not be the first nor last time we will have to deal with these issues. I remain dedicated and committed to driving our collective interests, and I am confident that we will be able to move forward for the benefit of all states, and present and future generations who share the Pacific Ocean as our home and livelihood.”