Fukushima 'unprecedented challenge': Japan new PM

FUKUSHIMA DAIICHI, Japan (AFP) - The clean-up at Fukushima after its tsunami-sparked nuclear meltdowns is an "unprecedented challenge" Japan's new prime minister told workers on Saturday during a tour of the plant.

"The massive work towards decommissioning is an unprecedented challenge in human history," the newly-elected Mr Shinzo Abe said. "Success in the decommissioning will lead to the reconstruction of Fukushima and Japan."

Mr Abe was touring the crippled Fukushima Daiichi just days after being formally elected as prime minister after his pro-business Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) swept to victory in national elections.

The prime minister's trip to the still-ruined site is part of a push by his new administration to tackle an issue that has been a major talking point over much of the last two years.