Japan calls for international assistance in containing Fukushima situation

(http://japandailypress.com) Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told attendees at the international science conference held in Kyoto on Sunday that Japan is now willing to receive foreign assistance to bring the situation at the Fukushima nuclear plant under control.

"We are wide open to receive the most advanced knowledge from overseas to contain the problem," Abe said during his speech at the forum.

TEPCO, the nuclear plant's operator, has suffered setback after setback in containing the radiation at the plant, despite positive reports from the company and the Japanese government.

Last month, Japan included the former director of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission at Three Mile Island, Lake Barrett, as an adviser in dealing with the situation at the Fukushima plant. According to Japan Daily Press, "Russia has also reminded Japan that its assistance, which was first offered back in 2011, is still available."

Although Japan is now open to foreign assistance, it has been criticized for waiting so late, after so much radiation has already contaminated the sea.