From: Wolf Blitzer/CNN
In: Mexico City
Posted 5-7-97

Subject: Clinton Standing Behind CIA Nominee George Tenet

President Bill Clinton is standing fully behind his nominee to head the CIA, George Tenet, following some questions involving the financial disclosure statements Tenet filed with the National Security Council (NSC) in 1993 when he served as the intelligence expert in the White House.

A White House official says the president was aware of the problem when he nominated Tenet and "believes it in no way undercuts him. He fully backs him."

At issue, administration officials say, was some telecommunications stock and some property in Greece that Tenet failed to report on his initial financial disclosure statement when he joined the Clinton Administration. They say he was unaware at the time that he owned the stock and the property, which he obtained through an inheritance.

Once he learned of the stock and the property, they say, he notified ethics officials at the NSC, updated his financial disclosure statements, and recused himself from dealing with related issues. The White House counsel was also informed of the failure.

The officials say the president was made aware of the issue before he nominated Tenet. They say the chairman and ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee were also informed of the matter when the nomination was sent up to Capitol Hill.

They deny a large sum of money is involved, although they are not disclosing how much it is. They also say they do not believe it will undermine his confirmation process.