Puglia Governor Michele Emiliano
on Wednesday apologized for comparing a worksite in his region
for the TAP gas pipeline to Auschwitz amid a war of words with
Industry Minister Carlo Calenda.
"Objectively, the comparison between the TAP worksite and
Auschwitz was wrong and I apologise for having inopportunely
used it live on radio this morning," Emiliano told Radio
Capital.
The row with Calenda broke out after the minister said that
an explosion in Austria that led to the temporary interruption
of gas flows from Russia on Tuesday proved the need for the TAP
project, which has been held up by violent protests and legal
challenges.
Earlier on Wednesday Calenda chastised Emiliano about the
Auschwitz comment and about aspersions he cast about his
motives.
"It is infantile and vulgar to say that I support the TAP to
favour lobbies and find a job (in the future), but basically
harmless," the minister said via Twitter.
"To say that the worksite is the same as Auschwitz is serious
and disrespectful.
"Try to return within the limits of civil debate".
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