Edano: Japan discussing a nuclear-free society

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary says Prime Minister Naoto Kan's
Wednesday announcement will lead to a national discussion on how to
realize a nuclear-free society.

Yukio Edano told reporters on Thursday that most parties are in line
with the view that the nation should reduce its dependency on nuclear
energy in the long run while in the meantime enhancing safety
standards of current plants. He said he believes the view is a
national consensus at this time.

As for the electric power supply, he indicated that restarting nuclear
plants which are now halted for regular inspections is unnecessary, as
nationwide conservation efforts will prevent a power shortage this
summer.

Thursday, July 14, 2011 15:25 +0900 (JST)