The Japanese government on Monday asked the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to send experts to help deal with the country's nuclear safety crisis caused by the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

"Today, the Government of Japan asked the Agency to provide expert missions. We are in discussions with Japan on the details," IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano said in a statement.

He said many IAEA Member States have offered assistance to Japan and some have dispatched specialized teams.

The agency has an important role in coordinating assistance, if requested by Japan, he said.

Noting that Japanese authorities are trying hard to stabilize the nuclear power plants affected by the disaster, Amano also said "reactor vessels have held and radioactive release is limited."

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