Kaieda sorry for remarks to firefighters
The Yomiuri Shimbun

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Banri Kaieda apologized Tuesday over reports he "threatened" firefighters working on a water-spraying mission at the quake-crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.

Speaking at a press conference after a Cabinet meeting Tuesday morning, Kaieda said, "If my remarks offended firefighters, I would like to apologize."

"Because the water-spraying operation is under way, I will refrain from describing what happened in detail. But I did not talk directly with firefighting officials on the ground," Kaieda said before adding, "I spoke with a liaison. I've been misinterpreted."

His apology came after Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara lodged a protest with Prime Minister Naoto Kan late Monday, claiming a government official had "forced" Tokyo Fire Department members to conduct a prolonged water-spraying operation at the nuclear power plant and threatening them with penalties if they did not cooperate.

Tokyo metropolitan government sources said Kaieda had made the comments.

"I protested [to Kan] that he should not have let [the official] say such a thing," Ishihara said.

According to Ishihara, Kan apologized over the matter.

Ishihara also said the extended spraying operation has damaged the department's water cannon trucks.

(Mar. 23, 2011)