Panetta supports top commander embroiled in sex scandal
- 12 years ago
Seen in happier times, the United States' top commander in Afghanistan, General John Allen - now under investigation by the Pentagon.
He's accused of inappropriate communication with a woman at the centre of a sex scandal that brought down former CIA Director David Petraeus.
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta made a show of support, speaking in Australia on Wednesday. But he confirmed he is suspending Allen's nomination for another top job in the U.S. military.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. DEFENSE SECRETARY, LEON PANETTA, SAYING:
"No one should leap to any conclusions here. General Allen is doing an excellent job at ISAF in leading those forces. He certainly has my continued confidence to lead our forces and to continue the fight. But his nomination has been put on hold as a prudent measure until we determine what the facts are. And we will."
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said this doesn't affect the US's Afghan mission.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE, HILLARY CLINTON, SAYING:
"We have been in touch with our NATO ISAF allies. The course in Afghanistan is set. We know what the transition requires of us. We are proceeding with that transition and will do so on time."
President Barack Obama accepted General Petraeus's resignation on Friday.
The scandal complicates Obama's efforts to reorganise his national security team following his recent re-election.
He's accused of inappropriate communication with a woman at the centre of a sex scandal that brought down former CIA Director David Petraeus.
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta made a show of support, speaking in Australia on Wednesday. But he confirmed he is suspending Allen's nomination for another top job in the U.S. military.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. DEFENSE SECRETARY, LEON PANETTA, SAYING:
"No one should leap to any conclusions here. General Allen is doing an excellent job at ISAF in leading those forces. He certainly has my continued confidence to lead our forces and to continue the fight. But his nomination has been put on hold as a prudent measure until we determine what the facts are. And we will."
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said this doesn't affect the US's Afghan mission.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE, HILLARY CLINTON, SAYING:
"We have been in touch with our NATO ISAF allies. The course in Afghanistan is set. We know what the transition requires of us. We are proceeding with that transition and will do so on time."
President Barack Obama accepted General Petraeus's resignation on Friday.
The scandal complicates Obama's efforts to reorganise his national security team following his recent re-election.