"Peaceful use of nuclear power plants is an important factor in forming an appropriate energy mix. Use of safe nuclear plants is the path that we should take, within the context of the G8 (Group of Eight powerful nations) and the European Union," he told reporters on a visit to Japan.

Glos emphasized his view was purely personal and said he realized it would be difficult to reverse the decision taken by the previous government under Gerhard Schroeder to phase out nuclear power.

But a review of Germany's energy policy was required because of political instability in oil and gas producer regions, he said.

"I hope, in Germany, the domestic support for peaceful use of nuclear power would rise to a majority," he said through a Japanese translator.

"Energy resources, such as oil and natural gas, are often developed in areas that are politically not stable. That leads to risks," he said.

"I think there have been changes in public opinion" on the issue, he said.

The recent Russian-Ukrainian gas dispute has reignited the debate about the future of nuclear energy in Germany.

Members of the conservative Christian Socialist Party, of which Glos is a leading figure, have suggested that the decision on nuclear power by the previous administration should be postponed.

However, others in the ruling coalition, including Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel, a member of the Social Democrats -- led by Schroeder until after his defeat in the September general election -- oppose a reversal.

Glos also expressed hope that Iran would accept Moscow's proposal under which uranium to be used in Iranian reactors would be enriched in Russia, in the aim of solving the international standoff over Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

"The situation in Iran affects the global oil market. I hope the Russian proposal would result in a solution to the problem," he said.

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