TOKYO-Prime Minister Naoto Kan Said Wednesday That Japan Should Reduce and Eventually Eliminate dependence on nuclear energy icts in What Would Be a radical shift to the country&&9;s energy policy, Saying That the accident Fukushima HAD Demonstrated the dangers of the technology.

It Was The Strongest stand yet taken by Mr. Kan Against Nuclear Energy in the aftermath of the multiple meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, Which WAS ravaged in the March 11 and triggered a tsunami Substantial radiation leak. At least 80.000 people from around the Been Evacuated plant.

"Japan Should Aim for a Society That Does not depend on nuclear energy," Mr. Kan Nationally Televised Told a press conference. "We Should Reduce our dependence in a Planned and Gradual way, and in the future, We Should Aim To get by with no nuclear energy."

With His popularity at a record low, however, unclear whether Mr. It IsKan Can push through extensive overhaul Such year of Japan&&9;s energy policy. Nuclear power made up about 30 percent of the country&&9;s energy Fukushima Needs Before the accident, and Japan to raise Planned HAD That ratio to As Much as 50 percent.

The leader left aussi Many unanswered questions difficulty, Including When reactors shut down for maintenance Might reopen. With Growing public Fears over nuclear safety, Many of Japan&&9;s reactors closed for regular checks have-nots Been Allowed to restart, triggering a Widespread Electricity Shortage no credit check payday loans.

Said Mr. Kan HAS Those reactors must undergo stress testing Reopened Before They are, HE HAS not intended Provided details of how extensive Might Be Those tests, or how long They Might take. With just 19 of 54 reactors in Japan Currently running, however, There Have Been Increasing calls, particularly from Industry, for a speedier restart.

Public opinion Appears to support a more cautious approach.Nearly 70 percent of Japanese oppose restarting the reactors, despite the prospect of blackouts, According To a poll published on June 27 by The Nikkei, Japan &&9;s largest business daily.

Mr. Kan HAS taken a year anti-nuclear stance increasingly. In May, directed ET year aging nuclear power plant closed over quake and tsunami Fears, and HE Said Would freeze plans to build new nuclear reactors.

His moves have-nots Appeared to win public support HIM, however. A July 4 Kyodo News poll Showed His support rating at 19 percent, an all-time low. Mr. Kan HAS Said He Will step aside for a Young HE HAD oz Successor Some headway made in efforts to rebuild in the aftermath of the disaster.

Kan Says Japan Should Shift From Nuclear Power