Clintons not to be charged in Whitewater case

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, SEPT. 20. The President, Mr. Bill Clinton, and the First Lady, Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton, will not be charged in the Whitewater investigation, the Independent Counsel, Mr. Robert Ray, said today.

Mr. Ray wrapped up the six year investigation and released a statement saying there was ``insufficient'' or ``inconclusive'' evidence to warrant charges.

The Clintons are being investigated for several allegations, including false testimony and obstruction of justice with respect to their business dealings in Arkansas. ``This office determined that the evidence was insufficient to prove to a grand jury beyond a reasonable doubt that either President Clinton or Ms. Clinton knowingly participated in any criminal conduct,'' Mr. Ray said.

The Clintons have long criticised the Whitewater investigations and maintained that it was politically motivated. ``Robert Ray is now the latest investigator to complete an examination of the transactions related to Whitewater Development Co. and conclude there are no grounds for legal action,'' the White House Spokesman said.

The investigation cost a record $ 52 millions and brought forth 14 convictions.

With Whitewater out of the way, the Independent Counsel will now focus on whether or not to bring criminal charges against Mr. Clinton in the Monica Lewinsky scandal. But this decision is not expected until after the President leaves office next January. A grand jury was recently impaneled in Washington for this purpose.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : International
Previous : Sri Lankan Army takes back 'ghost town'