Washington, Mar 17 -- President Barack Obama has spoken with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan about steps the U.S. is taking to ensure the safety of Americans in Japan -- measures that go beyond what Japan has recommended for its own citizens.
The White House says Obama and Kan spoke by phone Wednesday evening about the crisis at a Japanese nuclear power plant that's emitting dangerous levels of radiation after it was damaged in an earthquake and tsunami.
A split between the two countries emerged when the U.S. recommended that Americans within 50 miles of the nuclear plant evacuate. That's more stringent than the 12-mile (19-kilometer) radius recommended by the Japanese.
A White House statement said the two leaders' emphasized their alliance and discussed what the U.S. is doing to ensure welfare of its citizens.AP
