Gov't airs program pushing for resumption of Genkai reactors+

SAGA, Japan, June 26 Kyodo -
The government sought local consent Sunday for the resumption of operations of reactors at the Genkai nuclear power plant of Kyushu Electric Power Co. in Saga Prefecture.
In a broadcast aired on the Internet, an official at the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry said the authorities have taken sufficient measures to secure the safety of the Genkai plant following the nuclear emergency at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant.
It was the first attempt by the central government to brief residents of municipalities that host nuclear power plants on nuclear safety measures. The program was shot and aired at a cable TV studio in the city of Saga, and featured government officials and local residents.
Operation of the Genkai plant's Nos. 2 and 3 reactors have been suspended for regular checkups.
Despite the government's safety assurances, the local residents voiced concerns in the program as to why the state has requested only Hamaoka nuclear power plant in Shizuoka Prefecture to suspend operations.
The Hamaoka plant, which is located in a major active fault zone, was shut down in May following a government request.
In front of the cable TV station, some 150 members of an antinuclear group lodged a protest. They were led by Hatsumi Ishimaru, 59, who said, ''This is a program designed to lead to approval for the resumption of operations of the Genkai reactors. We cannot accept that.''