Russia could join China in banning Japanese seafood imports over Fukushima
Russia might join China in banning seafood from Japan over the Fukushima water release, a Russian regulatory authority indicated on Tuesday. Russian food safety watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor said that it had discussed the issue of food exports with its Chinese counterparts. “Taking into account the possible risks of radiation contamination of products, Rosselkhoznadzor is considering the possibility of joining with Chinese restrictions on supplies of fish products from Japan,” the watchdog said in a statement. “The final decision will be made after negotiations with the Japanese side.” Last month, Japan started the discharge of water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean, a move that sparked intense condemnation from China. In response, China implemented a ban on all seafood imports from Japan. Russia, one of the major suppliers of marine products to China, is actively pursuing opportunities to expand its market share in the region. So far this year, Russia has imported 118 tonnes of Japanese seafood, the regulator said. In response to the announcement by Russia, the top Japanese government spokesperson, Hirokazu Matsuno said on Wednesday that Japan will carefully examine the matter. “We strongly ask Russia to act based on scientific evidence,” Mr Matsuno told the media. He added that Russia was a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Fukushima expert team. “In addition to this, we received an IAEA report made with the participation of international experts, including from Russia.” Rosselkhoznadzor has reached out to Japan, urging both nations to start negotiations and requesting information regarding Japan’s radiological testing procedures for exported fish products, which includes assessing tritium levels. They have set a deadline of 16 October for this information to be provided, local media said. Meanwhile, late last week, US ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel accused China of using “economic coercion” against Japan. He said: “Economic coercion is the most persistent and pernicious tool in their economic toolbox. “China is engaged right now in fishing in Japan’s economic waters while they are simultaneously engaged in the unilateral embargo on Japan’s fish,” Mr Emanuel said. Earlier this month, it was reported that fishermen and residents from Fukushima, along with people from five other prefectures along Japan’s northeastern coast, filed a lawsuit seeking an immediate cessation of the ongoing release of treated radioactive wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean. In the lawsuit, the 151 plaintiffs, two-thirds from Fukushima and the rest from Tokyo and four other prefectures, say the discharge damages the livelihoods of the fishing community and violates residents’ right to live peacefully, their lawyers said. Additional reporting with agencies Read More South Korean court denies arrest warrant for opposition leader Lee in corruption allegations Japan's troubled Toshiba to delist after takeover by Japanese consortium succeeds Nuisance calls, spying and misinformation: How China is ‘harassing’ Japan over Fukushima The Body in the Woods | An Independent TV Original Documentary The harrowing discovery at centre of The Independent’s new documentary
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A Danish artist who submitted empty frames as artwork is appealing court ruling to repay the cash
A Danish artist who was commissioned by a museum in northern Denmark to create a piece for its exhibition on labor conditions two years ago submitted two empty canvases, causing an uproar
1970-01-01 08:00
Eden Park is Listed on the Inc. 5000 – Again!
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1970-01-01 08:00
Brazil police carry out raids as part of Jan. 8 riots probe
SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazil's federal police said on Wednesday they were carrying out fresh raids and arrests as part of
1970-01-01 08:00
Ukraine-Russia war – live: Kremlin claims Britain helped plan missile strike on Crimea on Black Sea Fleet’s HQ
Black Sea fleet commander Viktor Sokolov has appeared in a second video aired on Russian TV, days after Ukraine claimed he was killed in a missile strike on Sevastopol. A TV station run by Russia’s defence ministry showed an interview with the commander on Wednesday saying the fleet was performing successfully, although it was unclear from his comments whether the clip was filmed after Ukraine’s missile strike on 22 September. Ukraine’s special forces said on Monday that Mr Sokolov and 33 other officers were killed in the missile strike carried out on the Black Sea Fleet’s headquarters in Crimea. The new video comes after Russia’s defence ministry released another clip on Tuesday, appearing to show Mr Sokolov on a video conference call with Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu. It also remains unclear when this video was recorded. Ukraine is now saying it is working to “clarify” earlier reports that he had died. Russia has not yet directly confirmed or denied the claims. Read More Viktor Sokolov seen for second time in newly emerged video as he claims Russia’s Black Sea Fleet ‘performing successfully’ New video of ‘dead’ Russian Black Sea fleet commander raises doubts over Ukraine’s claim Hillary Clinton mocks Putin over Nato expansion: ‘Too bad, Vladimir. You brought it on yourself’ Ukrainian forces ‘enjoy success’ near Bakhmut as Putin deploys reserves
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13-year-old Chinese skateboarder wins gold at the Asian Games and now eyes the Paris Olympics
A 13-year-old girl from China has won a gold medal in stakeboarding at the Asian Games
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Travis King: North Korea to deport US soldier who crossed border
The 23-year-old ran across the border from South Korea during a tour of the area in July.
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New IMF funds for Sri Lanka may face delay after review sees revenue shortfall
By Uditha Jayasinghe COLOMBO (Reuters) -The International Monetary Fund did not reach a staff-level agreement with Sri Lanka in its
1970-01-01 08:00
US Mortgage Rate Climbs to 22-Year High of 7.41%, Curbing Demand
US mortgage rates jumped last week to the highest level since 2000, taking a toll on already depressed
1970-01-01 08:00
Guerrilla RF Provides Updated Guidance on Future Revenues and Plans
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Centre for Arts and Technology Reveals Inaugural Create Your Future Scholarship Recipients: Four Exceptional Winners
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Square Introduces Software That Turns Android Devices Into Powerful Payment Technology in Canada
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