November, 19 2009, 02:32pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Matt Jacob 202.408.5565
CREW Calls for Probe Into Galbraith's Role in Iraq
WASHINGTON
Today, CREW sent a letter to Harold W. Geisel, acting inspector
general of the U.S. Department of State, requesting that he open an
investigation into the role former Ambassador Peter W. Galbraith played
in the drafting of the Iraqi constitution on behalf of the Kurds,
particularly provisions that helped the Kurds obtain control of their
oil fields. Recent media reports have revealed that
Ambassador Galbraith stands to earn $100 million or more from oil
rights he obtained through provisions of the Iraqi constitution he
pushed through. Others involved in the drafting of the Iraq
constitution have questioned the propriety of Ambassador Galbraith's
role, suggesting it calls into question the integrity of the
constitutional negotiations themselves.
CREW requested an investigation into Ambassador Galbraith's role in
this matter - did he act with the knowledge and approval of the State
Department? And, if not, what checks are in place to monitor and
control the actions of private citizens who trade in on their former
government employment for personal profit, notwithstanding the possible
effects on U.S. foreign policy?
Click here to read CREW's letter to the State Department Inspector General.
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting ethics and accountability in government and public life by targeting government officials -- regardless of party affiliation -- who sacrifice the common good to special interests. CREW advances its mission using a combination of research, litigation and media outreach.
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