David Petraeus resigns over extra-marital relationship
Saturday, November 10th, 2012 9:53:50 by Web Desk
United States (US) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director David Petraeus has tendered his resignation from his post, citing an extramarital affair.
Petraeus said in a message to CIA staff said, “Yesterday afternoon, I went to the White House and asked the president to be allowed, for personal reasons, to resign from my position as Director CIA.”
He also stated, “After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair. Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours. This afternoon, the president graciously accepted my resignation.”
The affair was discovered during an FBI investigation, according to officials briefed on the developments. Petraeus carried on the affair with his biographer and reserve Army officer Paula Broadwell. The FBI discovered the relationship by monitoring Petraeus’ emails, after being alerted Broadwell may have had access to his personal email account, two of the officials said.
General Petraeus was appointed as Director CIA in 2011, following his predecessor Leon Panetta’s appointment as Secretary of Defense. He has also served as head of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.
A statement issued by President Barack Obama stated, “Today, I accepted his resignation as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. I am completely confident that the CIA will continue to thrive and carry out its essential mission, and I have the utmost confidence in Acting Director Michael Morell and the men and women of the CIA who work every day to keep our nation safe. Going forward, my thoughts and prayers are with Dave and Holly Petraeus, who has done so much to help military families through her own work. I wish them the very best at this difficult time.”
A new CIA director will have to be confirmed by the Senate. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said in a statement, “David’s decision to step down represents the loss of one of our nation’s most respected public servants.”
Tags: Afghanistan, CIA, David Petraeus, Director Central Intelligence Agency, FBI, ISAF, James Clapper, Leon Panetta, Paula Broadwell, President Barack Obama, Senate, United States, White House.Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=34852
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