Japan taking two rods out of Fukushima spent-fuel poolJuly 18, 2012 - 09:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The operator of the nuclear plant in last year's disaster in northeastern Japan is taking two fuel rods out of a spent-fuel pool to start dealing with a major remaining risk there, the Associated Press reported. All of the 1,535 rods next to reactor No. 4 at the crippled Fukushima Dai-ichi plant must eventually be removed from the pool to safer storage. Government nuclear regulators say Tokyo Electric Power Co. started the work Wednesday by removing two rods to inspect their condition. Japanese TV reports showed giant cranes removing the 4-meter (13-foot) rods. The utility declined to comment, citing secrecy needs for handling nuclear material, AP said. The pool's building was destroyed by explosions from multiple meltdowns following the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Fears are growing about massive radioactive material stored in the damaged building. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life, Strong Mind IDBank and Idram summarize the results of the May program of “The Power of One Dram”. Yerevan State University, Ucom sign Memorandum of Cooperation Rector of Yerevan State University Hovhannes Hovhannisyan and General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian signed the memorandum. EU to provide budgetary support to Armenia The agreement is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the educational system of Armenia. Aliyev: No peace treaty unless Armenia changes constitution Azerbaijan will not sign a peace treaty with Armenia unless the latter changes its constitution, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said. |