Japanese PM downplays failure in ITER bid

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Wednesday that the multinational bid for the building of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) should lead to cooperation rather than confrontation.

His remarks came one day after Tokyo gave up its ambition to have the reactor built in Japan.

"There was competition for hosting the project. But the final result indicated we have been able to craft a framework for international cooperation," the prime minister said.

On Tuesday, Cadarache of France, was chosen as the site to host the reactor after six partners of the project -- China, European Union, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the United States -- unanimously agreed at a meeting in Moscow.

"We have agreed cooperation is more important than confrontation, after making a comprehensive judgment on various factors, such as costs and how Japan should develop its energy strategy," Koizumi said.

Following the adoption, the Japanese government issued a statement on Tuesday, saying that "whichever side, Japan or the EU, won, both sides would in fact be winners."

The statement said Japan would promote international cooperation in this project and may keep its national interest by securing a quasi-host position.

Source: Xinhua