Petraeus appears on Hill, apologizes again
Source: Agencies |
November 18, 2012, Sunday
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Print Edition
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FORMER Central Intelligence Agency director David Petraeus expressed regret anew in an appearance that marked his first official business since he resigned in disgrace over an extramarital affair.
The former four-star United States general was sneaked into a secure room beneath the Capitol to escape photographers and television cameras. After more than four hours, Petraeus was seen departing in a two-vehicle motorcade. About 20 minutes later, he was photographed entering his home - one of the only public images of him since he resigned.
The scandal over Petraeus' affair with his biographer, Paula Broadwell, has preoccupied Washington, coming at a delicate time in the war in Afghanistan and even as the possibility of war loomed in Israel.
So far, the scandal has ensnared Petraeus; the top American commander in Afghanistan, General John Allen; two Florida socialites; and a decorated Federal Bureau of Investigation agent.
The White House acknowledged on Friday that Jill Kelley, the Tampa socialite who inadvertently triggered the FBI investigation that uncovered Petraeus' affair, visited the Executive Mansion three times in the last three months with her sister, Natalie, twice eating in its cafeteria. Kelley and her sister - both are friends with Petraeus and Allen - were guests of a mid-level White House aide, according to an Obama administration official.
In his Capitol Hill appearances, Petraeus, who was among America's most respected military leaders, discussed with the House and Senate intelligence committees the September attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, which left four Americans dead. He did not discuss his adultery with Broadwell, except to say that he regretted his behavior and that his departure was unrelated to the deadly violence in Libya. The scandal has led to a new CIA internal investigation.
"He was very clear his resignation was tied solely to his personal behavior," said Senator Mark Udall, a member of the Intelligence Committee. "He was apologetic and regretful but still General Petraeus."
Petraeus, 60, admitted last week he had cheated on his wife of 38 years with Broadwell, 40.
The former four-star United States general was sneaked into a secure room beneath the Capitol to escape photographers and television cameras. After more than four hours, Petraeus was seen departing in a two-vehicle motorcade. About 20 minutes later, he was photographed entering his home - one of the only public images of him since he resigned.
The scandal over Petraeus' affair with his biographer, Paula Broadwell, has preoccupied Washington, coming at a delicate time in the war in Afghanistan and even as the possibility of war loomed in Israel.
So far, the scandal has ensnared Petraeus; the top American commander in Afghanistan, General John Allen; two Florida socialites; and a decorated Federal Bureau of Investigation agent.
The White House acknowledged on Friday that Jill Kelley, the Tampa socialite who inadvertently triggered the FBI investigation that uncovered Petraeus' affair, visited the Executive Mansion three times in the last three months with her sister, Natalie, twice eating in its cafeteria. Kelley and her sister - both are friends with Petraeus and Allen - were guests of a mid-level White House aide, according to an Obama administration official.
In his Capitol Hill appearances, Petraeus, who was among America's most respected military leaders, discussed with the House and Senate intelligence committees the September attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, which left four Americans dead. He did not discuss his adultery with Broadwell, except to say that he regretted his behavior and that his departure was unrelated to the deadly violence in Libya. The scandal has led to a new CIA internal investigation.
"He was very clear his resignation was tied solely to his personal behavior," said Senator Mark Udall, a member of the Intelligence Committee. "He was apologetic and regretful but still General Petraeus."
Petraeus, 60, admitted last week he had cheated on his wife of 38 years with Broadwell, 40.
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