Japan Press Weekly

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2011 October 5 - 11 [JCP]

Shii speaks at National Press Club

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on October 5 gave a talk at the Japan National Press Club on issues related to radiation decontamination, compensation for damages, and resumption of operations of idled nuclear reactors.

Prime Minister Noda Yoshihiko offered his “humble remorse” for the nuclear “safety myth” during a debate with Shii in the Diet. Shii, however, pointed out that the government is not taking appropriate measures in response to the nuclear accident.

After presenting the JCP stance dealing with the three issues above, Shii said that the JCP will increase its struggle for a nuclear reactor-free Japan as well as for a shift in Japan’s energy policy to one committed to renewable sources of energy.

Asked by a journalist how Shii views the government’s position toward nuclear power generation, Shii quoted Prime Minister Noda who said, “It should not be dealt with in a dichotomy between abolition and promotion.” Shii added, “However, it is the very matter of a dichotomy between if we should break away with failed policy or if we continue with nuclear energy promotion.”

He said in conclusion, “The important thing is to force the government to change its energy policy through public pressure.”