Creating an international framework to uphold both non-proliferation and the global expansion of nuclear power. Japan's contribution to the global nuclear energy partnership and assurance of nuclear fuel supply

In late years importance of nuclear power is realized again in each country, and expansion/introduction of nuclear power plants is planned and/or examined. The global community needs proper correspondence of nuclear nonproliferation reinforcement such as the Iranian issue of nuclear development or a North Korean nuclear test. In order to plan nuclear nonproliferation while accepting expansion of peaceful use of the nuclear energy, a plan 'Global Nuclear Energy Partnership' of US suggestion, a nuclear fuel supply guarantee design, a fuel cycle service offer of Russia suggestion, called 'International Center' plan, and others, have been argued as suggested designs in succession. It is important for Japan, which has showed a model of the nuclear energy peaceful use as a nuclear weapon-free country, to participate in arguments of establishment of an international framework related to coexistence of the nuclear energy peaceful use and nuclear nonproliferation. Therefore Japan's contribution is highly expected in close cooperation of the government, research organizations and industry sectors. (T. Tanaka)