Nuclear Meltdown

Former UN nuke chief: Japan setback for industry

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-04-18 09:28

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - The former head of the UN's atomic energy watchdog says Japan's reactor crisis could pose a significant setback to public acceptance of nuclear power.

Mohamed ElBaradei called Sunday for a comprehensive safety review of nuclear plants worldwide and urged better planning for seismic risks.

But he also told a Dubai energy conference that nuclear reactors have grown safer in recent decades and that nuclear power remains the only credible alternative to fossil fuels.

ElBaradei stepped down as director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency in November and is now a leading pro-democracy figure in his home country of Egypt.