President Accepts Resignation from CIA Director Porter Goss (VIDEO)

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President Accepts Resignation from CIA Director Porter Goss, Oval Office, 1:44 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: This morning, Director Porter Goss offered his resignation as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency; I've accepted it.

During the course of his tenure, I've established a very close, personal relationship with Porter, which is very important for the Director of the CIA. He's spent a lot of time here in the Oval Office.

He's told me -- he's given me his candid advice. I appreciate his integrity. I appreciate the honor that he brought to the job.

Porter's tenure at the CIA was one of transition. He's helped this agency become integrated into the intelligence community, and that was a tough job. He's led ably. He's got a five-year plan to increase the number of analysts and operatives, which is going to help make this country a safer place and help us win the war on terror. He's instilled a sense of professionalism. He honors the proud history of the CIA, an organization that is known for its secrecy and accountability. I am confident that his successor will continue the reforms that he's put in place, and as a result, this country will be more secure.

We've got to win the war on terror, and the Central Intelligence Agency is a vital part of that war. So I want to thank you for your service.

DIRECTOR GOSS: Mr. President, thank you very much. It has been a very distinct honor and privilege to serve you, and, of course, the people of the country, and the employees of the Central Intelligence Agency. I can tell you the trust and confidence you've placed in me and given me the latitude to work is something I could never have imagined and I am most grateful for it.

I would like to report back to you that I believe the agency is on a very even keel, sailing well. I honestly believe that we have improved dramatically your goals for our nation's intelligence capabilities, which are, in fact, the things that I think are keeping us very safe. And I honestly would report to you, sir, that we are safer for your efforts, your leadership and for the men and women in the community that are working so hard and doing so well.

Thank you for the support, the encouragement and the understanding of how tough the work is and how important it is.

THE PRESIDENT: God bless.

END 1:47 P.M. EDT, For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, May 5, 2006

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