US: Oil Spill Not Causing Tension With UK

10th Jun 2010 19:36

WASHINGTON (AFP)--The U.S. Thursday dismissed the idea that the BP PLC (BP) oil spill is causing diplomatic tension with the U.K. "I don't see it as a source of tension," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told journalists. "BP is a private company and this is about the impact of the tragedy...not about the relations between the United States and its closest ally. "The British people understand the frustration and anger the American people are seeing in this. It is not going to affect our relationship," Crowley said. U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron said Thursday he plans to discuss BP's handling of the spill with President Barack Obama within days. Cameron is expected to talk to Obama Saturday or Sunday as BP and its chief executive, Tony Hayward, face mounting anger over its response to the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history. -Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2900 (END) Dow Jones Newswires June 10, 2010 14:36 ET (18:36 GMT)