"We will enhance the safety of nuclear power plants"

June 20, 2013

Abe states intention to promote nuclear power via energy market, safety reform

Kyodo

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/06/20/national/abe-states-intention-to-promote-nuclear-power-via-energy-market-safety-reform/#.UcK2HNhSb9k

LONDON – Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has clarified his intention to promote nuclear power despite the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 plant, pledging to make efforts to enhance safety at atomic energy facilities.

“The tragedy that hit Fukushima has yet to end. I can’t stand still when I think of the difficulties the victims have been facing,” Abe said Wednesday during a speech in London. “But we should change the greatest crisis (postwar Japan has faced) into an opportunity to reform the energy market.”

“We will enhance the safety of nuclear power plants and continue to contribute to nuclear nonproliferation. Japan, which has led the world in (this field), will not choose a way to retreat” in the face of the March 2011 meltdowns, said Abe, who stopped by the City of London financial district after attending the Group of Eight summit in Northern Island.

[Abe also promised....]