Ex-Japanese PM blames government for Fukushima disaster

Tokyo, May 29 (ANI): Former Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan has said the government should accept responsibility for the last year's Fukushima disaster.

"The nuclear accident was caused by a nuclear plant which operated as national policy. I believe the biggest portion of blame lies with the state," Kan said.

He said that although specific technical issues at the plant were discussed, he was not given a general overview.

"There was no explanation of what the situation at the Dai-ichi site was, nor how the situation may unfold, nor what should be done if certain events occur," The BBC quoted Kan, as saying.

"Unfortunately there was no discussion on such topics whatsoever," he added.

Kan said the government had not fully understood the extent of the damage to the plant.

He also said that Japan had refused a US request to place its nuclear experts in the prime minister's office, citing sovereignty issues.

Kan was the prime minister when tsunami damage tipped three nuclear reactors into meltdowns.

He has faced criticism that he got involved both too little and too much at different stages of the crisis. (ANI)