2008-08-02 22:44:17www.chinaview.cn
TOKYO, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. media report earlier in the day about a U.S. Navy submarine's radioactive leakage in Japan aroused widespread discontent in the country Saturday.
Japanese media earlier in the day quoted CNN as reporting that several U.S. Navy officials acknowledged that the Houston, a U.S. Navy Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine, began leaking radioactive substances when it travelled to southern Japan's Sasebo port in March during its tour around the Pacific.
The CNN report has been proved by the U.S. Navy, which confirmed that the sub was found leaking traces with radioactivity during a regular checkup in Hawaii in July.
The Japanese Foreign Ministry said in a press release on Saturday that it was informed of the matter Friday afternoon.
"The U.S. side said what was leaked from the Houston was cooling water, which had infinitesimal radiation and had no influence to human beings and the environment," the press release said.
The Japanese Science and Culture Ministry found no excessive radiation when the Houston was making the port call in Japan, and the Foreign Ministry informed related local governments on Saturday, the press release added.
Japanese media pointed out late notification in the matter, saying the leakage was found by the U.S. side as early as July 17 and the leakage was confirmed containing radioactive substances as early as July 24.
Furthermore, the Japanese Foreign Ministry did not report it tothe leadership immediately after receiving notification from the U.S. side on Friday, as Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura admitted that he got to know the matter Saturday morning, Japanese media reported.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura expressed dissatisfaction with the foreign ministry's retardment, while Japanese local governments which host U.S. bases complained over the slow reports and called for serious dealing with similar affairs.
Editor: Yan
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