Japan court orders shutdown of two nuclear reactorsMarch 9, 2016 - 16:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A Japanese court on Wednesday, March 9 ordered two regional nuclear reactors to shut down over safety concerns, public broadcaster NHK reported, just days before the fifth anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, AFP reports. The order would bring the number of operating reactors in Japan down to two. Dozens were shut down in the wake of the accident. The ruling is the first to require the shutdown of reactors that were restarted under stricter safety standards adopted after the 2011 accident, the worst atomic crisis in a generation. The ruling from the Otsu District Court -- which sided with area residents who launched their legal action claiming the reactors posed safety risks -- is a blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's bid to bring back nuclear power. The reactors ordered to be shuttered are Kansai Electric's No. 3 and No. 4 reactors at its Takahama nuclear plant, some 350 kilometres (217 miles) west of Tokyo, NHK said. The No.4 reactor was taken offline last month due to an unexpected glitch days after it restarted, while the No. 3 reactor is currently operating. Kansai Electric did not immediately comment on the media reports, according to AFP. After the order was handed down Wednesday, television footage showed plaintiffs and local residents cheering and holding banners celebrating their victory. 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. |