Obama admits oil spill is an environmental disaster, vows to fight it "relentlessly"

Washington, May 3 (ANI): US President Barack Obama has acknowledged that the oil slick in Louisiana was an environmental disaster waiting to happen.

The oil spill occurred off the coast of Louisiana extending up to Florida, and is moving rapidly along the US coast.

"We're dealing with a massive and potentially unprecedented environment disaster, it could extend for a long time. It could jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands of Americans who call this place home." Obama told Fox News.

The Obama administration is under severe criticism for it's handling of the problem with parallels being drawn with the Bush administration's mismanagement of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Obama repudiated such claims, saying the ultimate responsibility lay with British Petroleum (BP).

"From day one, we have prepared and planned for the worst. Your government will do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to stop this crisis," he reassured.

The cost of the massive government exercise to combat the spill is to be borne by BP. (ANI)