国际英语新闻：Mexico begins oil spill probe in Gulf of Mexico

MEXICO CITY, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Mexico has launched an investigation into the Gulf of Mexico oil spill for any possible effects on the nation, said the environment minister on Wednesday.

Studies have been carried out by the Environment Ministry to determine the environmental impact nationally, minister Juan Rafael Elvira told a press conference.

"Apart from a few dead birds and fish, there is no evidence of an environmental impact, but we are already working and there is no intention to evade the problem," he said.

British energy giant BP is scrambling to contain oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico following an oil rig explosion on April 20, which killed 11 workers.

The oil slick made landfall in the southern U.S. state of Louisiana last week. The Mexican government had said repeatedly that it was not an issue for Mexico.

"Investigation is being coordinated with the United States and each nation is in charge of repair in its own territorial waters," Elvira said.