EU bailout fund chief: no danger of euro collapse

The head of the European Union's bailout fund says he sees no chance that the debt crisis that has forced the rescue of Greece and now Ireland will cause the collapse of the 16-nation euro currency.
Klaus Regling said in comments printed in Germany's Bild newspaper Thursday that even though the euro could slip in value, the problems afflicting its weakest members are not putting the common currency in jeopardy.
"There's zero danger," he says. "No country will voluntarily give up the euro -- for weaker countries that would be economic suicide, likewise for the stronger countries."
He says he agrees with Chancellor Angela Merkel, however, who said this week "we are in a very serious situation regarding the euro."
He says "of course the situation is serious."
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
BERLIN (AP) -- The head of the European Union's bailout fund says he sees no chance that the debt crisis that has forced the rescue of Greece and now Ireland will cause the collapse of the 16-nation euro currency.
Klaus Regling said in comments printed in Germany's Bild newspaper Thursday that even though the euro could slip in value, the problems afflicting its weakest members are not putting the common currency in jeopardy.
"There's zero danger," he says. "No country will voluntarily give up the euro -- for weaker countries that would be economic suicide, likewise for the stronger countries."
He says he agrees with Chancellor Angela Merkel, however, who said this week "we are in a very serious situation regarding the euro."
He says "of course the situation is serious."