The Government will request reports on the safety of Spanish nuclear power plants

The President of the Government, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, announced in the Lower House on Wednesday that the Government will request reports on the safety of nuclear power plants in Spain, complying with the recommendation that the European Commission made yesterday to all Member States. The President of the Government explained that "It is about strengthening of convictions and safety conditions with reports that are even more demanding than usual". The reports will be made by the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) and the first of the power plants to be examined will be the one in Cofrentes. The CSN will review the seismic risks and risks of flooding at the plants.

The President of the Government indicated in a press conference following his appearance in the Government control session that events in the Fukushima plant following the earthquake last Friday 11 March "must serve as experience; we must draw conclusions, but measured conclusions, scientifically guaranteed conclusions. And that is what must uphold political decisions with respect to safety in nuclear power plants".

"I want to publicly express the concern, solidarity and support of the Government of Spain for what the people of Japan are living through", said the President of the Government. José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero emphasised that our commitment and obligation is to help them in the difficult situation they are experiencing following the earthquake and the consequences of the subsequent tsunami. "Our priority is to help Japan. Then, if conclusions are to be drawn about nuclear energy, we will do so, but the priority is to help Japan", he said.

The President of the Government decided to set up a group to monitor the situation in Japan with the aim of assisting the Government in whatever decisions have to be taken in relation with events in that country. He also stated that the Government wants to have detailed information with respect to what is happening in the reactors at the plant in Fukushima and the evolution of the levels of radiation.

In this respect, the President of the Government stressed that the Government remains alert for news provided by the Government of Japan. José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero emphasised that the Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and the Spanish Embassy in Tokyo "is working to ensure the return of all Spaniards who wish to do so", but is paying attention to the reports from the Japanese authorities about the real situation in the area.