Kan to visit Fukushima Pref. to meet nuclear crisis evacuees+

TOKYO, April 19 Kyodo -
Prime Minister Naoto Kan is planning to visit Fukushima Prefecture -- where the radiation-leaking nuclear power plant is located -- as early as Thursday, a source close to him said Tuesday.
During the visit, Kan will meet residents who have been evacuated in the wake of the crisis at the nuclear complex and hold talks with Fukushima Gov. Yuhei Sato, the source said.
As the crisis, triggered by the March 11 earthquake and ensuing tsunami, drags on, Kan's trip to the prefecture is intended to show the government's strong commitment to offering support to the residents during their evacuation, the source said.
In addition to the prefectural government headquarters in Fukushima, Kan is planning to visit the city of Tamura where many of the evacuees are now staying, the source said.
On Monday, Kan said during a session of parliament that the government will make all-out efforts to create an environment in which as many evacuees as possible will be able to return home after around nine months.
The plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Co., said Sunday it aims to bring the crisis under control within six to nine months.