Bush adviser testifies in CIA leak inquiry
International Herald Tribune
Anne E. Kornblut
The New York Times
_______________
Washington (US):
Karl Rove, senior counselor to President George W. Bush, has testified for several hours before a federal grand jury in the CIA leak case, in an appearance that was a sign of renewed attention by the special prosecutor in a matter that has lingered unresolved for months.
The testimony Wednesday marked the fifth time that Rove has appeared before a federal grand jury in the case. The appearance came at a politically sensitive time for Rove, who was relieved of his policy role at the White House in a staff reshuffling earlier this month. He now faces the challenge of helping Republicans maintain their primacy in the congressional elections this autumn.
Rove last testified to the grand jury in October, and his lawyer has said he is not a major figure in the leak inquiry and would ultimately be exonerated.
To date, the only criminal charges in the case, which involves the exposure of a CIA operative's identity, have been brought against Lewis Libby Jr., the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney. Libby was charged in November with lying and obstruction of justice and is preparing for trial.
The prosecutor, Patrick Fitzgerald, has declined to comment on Rove's status, saying publicly only that he is continuing to explore outstanding issues in the case.
Apr 27, 2006
International Herald Tribune
Anne E. Kornblut
The New York Times
_______________
Washington (US):
Karl Rove, senior counselor to President George W. Bush, has testified for several hours before a federal grand jury in the CIA leak case, in an appearance that was a sign of renewed attention by the special prosecutor in a matter that has lingered unresolved for months.
The testimony Wednesday marked the fifth time that Rove has appeared before a federal grand jury in the case. The appearance came at a politically sensitive time for Rove, who was relieved of his policy role at the White House in a staff reshuffling earlier this month. He now faces the challenge of helping Republicans maintain their primacy in the congressional elections this autumn.
Rove last testified to the grand jury in October, and his lawyer has said he is not a major figure in the leak inquiry and would ultimately be exonerated.
To date, the only criminal charges in the case, which involves the exposure of a CIA operative's identity, have been brought against Lewis Libby Jr., the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney. Libby was charged in November with lying and obstruction of justice and is preparing for trial.
The prosecutor, Patrick Fitzgerald, has declined to comment on Rove's status, saying publicly only that he is continuing to explore outstanding issues in the case.
Apr 27, 2006
