Japan taking two rods out of Fukushima spent-fuel poolJuly 18, 2012 - 09:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The operator of the nuclear plant in last year's disaster in northeastern Japan is taking two fuel rods out of a spent-fuel pool to start dealing with a major remaining risk there, the Associated Press reported. All of the 1,535 rods next to reactor No. 4 at the crippled Fukushima Dai-ichi plant must eventually be removed from the pool to safer storage. Government nuclear regulators say Tokyo Electric Power Co. started the work Wednesday by removing two rods to inspect their condition. Japanese TV reports showed giant cranes removing the 4-meter (13-foot) rods. The utility declined to comment, citing secrecy needs for handling nuclear material, AP said. The pool's building was destroyed by explosions from multiple meltdowns following the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Fears are growing about massive radioactive material stored in the damaged building. 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. |