3/13/2011
Clinton spokesman quits over remarks about US military
WASHINGTON, US State Department spokesman Philip Crowley resigned on Sunday in the wake of controversial remarks he made about the US military's treatment of the soldier held in the Pentagon investigation of Wikileaks.
In an interview, Crowley described the military's treatment of the suspected WikiLeaks leaker as "ridiculous" and "stupid." "Given the impact of my remarks, for which I take full responsibility, I have submitted my resignation" to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Crowley said in a department statement.
"The exercise of power in today's challenging times and relentless media environment must be prudent and consistent with our laws and values." Crowley's comments about the case of Private First Class Bradley Manning, who is being held at a Marine Corps brig in Quantico, Virginia, were made in Massachusetts, where Crowley spoke on Friday to a small group at a White House news conference.
Manning is being held in solitary confinement almost all day, and is stripped each night and given a suicide-proof smock to wear to bed, a situation the military has said was necessary for his own safety.
Clinton said in a statement that she accepted Crowley's resignation with regret, while noting his "deep devotion to public policy and public diplomacy.
http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2151957&Language=en
