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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release February 11, 1997

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

In response to a question from today's daily briefing concerning the President's conversation with Sen. Richard Shelby, Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence:

The President spoke by telephone today while on Capitol Hill with Senator Shelby concerning the nomination of Anthony Lake to be Director of Central Intelligence.

The President reiterated his strong support for Tony's nomination, noting that he was superbly qualified, and said that his foreign policy team needs Tony's leadership at the CIA as expeditiously as possible. The President was concerned to learn during the call that Senator Shelby intends to delay Mr. Lake's confirmation hearing and urged that Senator Shelby consider holding the hearing sooner. The President said he was confident that Tony and the White House could resolve any remaining questions on the issues that Senator Shelby has identified.

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