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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

JCP calls for relief of all Minamata disease patients

On April 24, Ichida held a news conference in Tokyo to announce the JCP's proposal for the settlement of the problem of Minamata disease.

Pointing out that Minamata disease is not just an historical affair but that it is a present-day problem, Ichida said, "All these patients must be recognized as victims and relieved without delay, for which government has a major responsibility."

The JCP demands that (1) the government make public all data concerning the pollution and its effects and conduct a thorough survey of residents' health as well as the environment of the coastal areas of the Shiranui Sea; (2) the government establish a "legal relief scheme" to define the scope and need for compensation of Minamata disease patients in accordance with a court decision; and (3) the government relax the present excessively rigorous standards for recognition of Minamata disease patients.
- Akahata, April 30, 2006