By Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - David Petraeus has resigned as director of the CIA after admitting he had an extramarital affair.
According to his letter of
resignation, Petraeus asked President Barack Obama on Thursday to allow
him to resign, and on Friday the president accepted.
Petraeus said in a statement that he had shown "extremely poor judgment" in having an affair.
Here's Petraeus' letter:
Yesterday afternoon, I went to the White House and asked the
President to be allowed, for personal reasons, to resign from my
position as D/CIA. After being married for over 37 years, I showed
extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair. Such
behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an
organization such as ours. This afternoon, the President graciously
accepted my resignation.
As I depart Langley, I want you to know that it has been the greatest
of privileges to have served with you, the officers of our Nation's
Silent Service, a work force that is truly exceptional in every regard.
Indeed, you did extraordinary work on a host of critical missions during
my time as director, and I am deeply grateful to you for that.
Teddy Roosevelt once observed that life's greatest gift is the
opportunity to work hard at work worth doing. I will always treasure my
opportunity to have done that with you and I will always regret the
circumstances that brought that work with you to an end.
Thank you for your extraordinary service to our country, and best
wishes for continued success in the important endeavors that lie ahead
for our country and our Agency.
With admiration and appreciation,
David H. Petraeus
Copyright
2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not
be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
