Zapatero announces nuclear safety review

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero on Wednesday announced a safety review of Spain's nuclear power plants in the wake of the crisis unfolding in Japan.

In an unscheduled meeting with journalists in Congress, the prime minister said there is no risk of the disaster befalling the Japanese installation occurring in Spain and the review is simply to "further ensure" the country's power plants are safe.

"Everybody knows what the geographic conditions of our country are," Zapatero said. "There are motives to remain calm about the safety of our nuclear power stations."

The analysis will be carried out by the Nuclear Security Council and will begin at the Cofrentes plant, which had its operational life extended by 10 years the day before the earthquake shattered Japan.

Spanish Public Works Minister José Blanco on Wednesday distanced himself from the idea of running for the leadership of the ruling Socialist Party.

Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has kept his cards well hidden regarding whether or not he will lead the Socialists in general elections slated for next year, leading to speculation he might stand down. Spain is due to hold regional and municipal elections in May of this year.

Deputy Prime Minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba has been touted as the frontrunner to take over from Zapatero in the event of him deciding not to stand again after leading the Socialists to victories in general elections in 2004 and 2008.

While expressing her backing for Zapatero, Defense Minister Carme Chacón last month appeared to lay down a marker as his possible successor by saying Spain was prepared to accept having a woman leading the government.

In remarks to television channel Telecinco, Blanco said he could not "honestly" see himself standing in primaries against Rubalcaba and Chacón. Asked when Zapatero might make his intentions known, Blanco said he had "practically" no information on that, adding that in any case he was "not Zapatero's spokesman."

Separately, Blanco said a planned rail corridor running down Spain's Mediterranean coast would come into operation in 2020. The project will cost ¤51.3 billion, of which ¤8.4 billion has already been spent.