[NYTr] Outgoing Deputy Director Opposes CIA Reorganization

[nytr at olm.blythe-systems.com]

Prensa Latina, Havana
http://www.plenglish.com

Outgoing Deputy Director Opposes CIA Restructuring

Washington, Nov 24 (Prensa Latina) The restructuring of the Central
Intelligence Agency (CIA) is still highly controversial and its outgoing
deputy director, John McLaughlin, attacked those plans today.

In an article published in the Washington Post daily the official rejected
accusations saying that the Agency is "dysfunctional and gossiping." He is
opposed to the restrcturing recommendation of the bi-partisan commission
that investigated the attack of September 11 2001.

McLaughlin, who recently resigned along with other top officials of the
agency, said he could not recall such passionate controversy around the CIA,
such misinformation and distortion inside the CIA.

The White House ordered the CIA and the Defense Department to make a study
regarding the viability of transferring the CIA's paramilitary operations to
the Pentagon, including its effective control of special operations.

McLaughlin termed "preposterous" the claims officials from the agency had
leaked information and plotted against president Geroge W. Bush during the
election campaign.

The influential Republican Senator, John McCain, had criticized the CIA for
giving information to the media with the objective to hinder the president's
reelection.

McCain is one of the promoters of the Agency's restructuring that has led
the resignations of several CIA top officials.

ef/abo/ool