Japan to restart nuke reactorsJune 14, 2012 - 21:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Japan moved closer to restarting nuclear reactors for the first time since last year's earthquake and tsunami led to a nationwide shutdown after a mayor gave his support to a plan to bring two of them back online, Belfast Telegraph reported. All 50 of Japan's workable reactors are off-line because of safety concerns or for maintenance since the March 11 disaster sparked a crisis at the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant. Public opposition to nuclear power remains high, even though the government has been pressing for the restarting of reactors because it says nuclear energy is crucial to Japan's economy. The mayor of the western town of Ohi signed off on the plan to restart the town's two reactors. The prime minister has to give final approval, which Japanese media reports said is likely to happen on Saturday, June 16. The two reactors could be restarted as soon as this weekend. Local consent is not legally required for restarting the reactors, but the government wants the support because of the sensitivity of the issue. Before last year's crisis, Japan depended on nuclear for about one-third of its electricity and was planning to expand that further. The government is now carrying out a sweeping review of that plan. Premier Yoshihiko Noda said the government has taken ample measures to ensure the two reactors in Fukui prefecture - where Ohi is located - would not leak radiation if an earthquake or tsunami as severe as last year's should strike them. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |