acc

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Kanagawa governor and Yokosuka mayor raise doubts about 'safety' of U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

Doubtful about the U.S. government's assurance that the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to be deployed to the U.S. Naval Yokosuka Base in 2008 is safe, the Yokosuka mayor on May 8 visited the Foreign Ministry to request that Foreign Minister Aso Taro answer questions regarding safety.

The U.S. document entitled "Fact Sheet on U.S. Nuclear Powered Warship Safety," was sent to local governments on April 17 from U.S. Ambassador Thomas Schieffer via Aso.

Signed by Kanagawa Governor Matsuzawa Shigefumi and Yokosuka Mayor Kabaya Ryoichi, the letter of request stated that it is difficult for this "Fact Sheet" to convince local governments and citizens concerned that nuclear powered warships are safe.

They raised 17 questions and demanded that the Japanese government ensure the safety of these vessels, provide them information regarding past serious accidents caused by U.S. nuclear-powered ships and a comparison of U.S. warships' nuclear reactors with other reactors that caused accidents, including the one at Chernobyl.
- Akahata, May 9, 2006