17.03.2011

Guenther Oettinger Plays Down Japan Warning

Warnings of a further possible nuclear catastrophe in Japan by Europe's energy chief were based on media reports and his personal fears, his spokeswoman said after the comments alarmed financial markets. EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger earlier warned of "further catastrophic events" in the coming hours in Japan, saying they "could pose a threat to the lives of people on the island." But his spokeswoman, Marlene Holzner, later clarified the situation. more