Japan PM criticizes nuclear safety agency

Tokyo: Japan`s Prime Minister has
criticised the country`s nuclear safety agency for having
acted as a promoter instead of regulator of nuclear energy.

Naoto Kan told an energy forum today that the Nuclear
and Industrial Safety Agency has tried to manipulate public
opinion at town meetings to promote nuclear energy.

He said the scandal underscored cozy relationship
between the regulator and the industry and must be corrected.

Public opinion toward nuclear energy has shifted since
the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that crippled the
Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant.

The International Atomic and Energy Agency also has
criticised Japan`s murky nuclear regulation system.

PTI