Japan, France Must Lead Global Nuclear Energy Use, French Premier Says

By Kyodo News International, Tokyo

Apr. 12–AOMORI — French Prime Minister Francois Fillon on Saturday visited a reprocessing facility for spent nuclear fuel in the village of Rokkasho in Aomori Prefecture and said Japan and France must spearhead the use of nuclear energy.

After touring the reprocessing site with Japanese energy minister Akira Amari, Fillon also told a news conference he is pleased to have visited a symbol of nuclear cooperation between the two countries.

The reprocessing plant, run by Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd., is expected to go into operation as early as May. It receives technological support from France, which is taking the lead in the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, and about 10 French engineers are working there.

The French premier said at the news conference that Japan and France have common ground in that they have chosen to use nuclear energy because of the scarcity of fossil fuels in their countries.

Although the decision initially drew fire, it has been proven that the two countries have shown foresight, Fillon said, adding bilateral cooperation will be a key to the success of the Rokkasho project.

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Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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