'Bush shouldn't pardon Libby'

2005-11-09 21:19

Washington - Democrats on Tuesday called on United States President George W Bush to rule out a possible pardon for indicted White House aide Scooter Libby, should he be convicted on charges related to the unmasking of an undercover CIA agent.

"We're demanding President Bush make a commitment to the American people that he will not pardon Scooter Libby, who was involved in this mess, nor will he pardon anyone involved in this mess," said senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid.

"Unless a pardon is ruled out by President Bush, the American people will certainly not learn the truth" about who unmasked CIA agent Valerie Plame, he said.

Senate Democrats restated that demand in a letter to the president on Tuesday.

'Too early to judge'

"The indictment of I. Lewis Libby, vice-president Dick Cheney's chief of staff, marks the first time in 131 years that a senior White House official has been charged with a crime while still serving in the White House," Democrats wrote.

"Although it is too early to judge Mr Libby guilty or innocent of these particular charges, it is not too early for you to reassure the American people that you understand the enormous gravity of the allegations."

Libby has been charged with perjury and obstruction of justice in the Plame case, and federal prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald has said additional charges against him and other administration officials could follow.

"We urge you to pledge that if Mr Libby or anyone else is found guilty of a crime in connection with Patrick Fitzgerald's investigation, you will not exercise your authority to issue a presidential pardon," Democrats wrote in their letter to Bush.

A White House spokesperson recently declined to comment on the issue.

- AFP