FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CRM

SUNDAY, MAY 3, 1998                                                                                                                                     (202) 616-2777

                                                                                                                                                                                  TDD (202) 514-1888







STATEMENT OF CHARLES LA BELLA





	"It would ordinarily be inappropriate for me to talk about
internal Department of Justice deliberations, but because my
recent statements have been misconstrued in the press I feel
obligated to do so.




	"Last year, when the Attorney General was considering
whether to seek the appointment of an independent counsel, I
recommended to her that she do so with respect to the telephone
solicitations made by the President and the Vice President.  I
had a full opportunity to present my views to the Attorney
General, as did others, and we discussed the issues thoroughly. 
At the end of the process, I was completely comfortable with her
decision not to seek an independent counsel and with the process
by which she reached that decision.  I have never told anyone
anything different.

	

	"Since that time I have not recommended that she seek
appointment of an independent counsel.  The Attorney General
regularly asks me whether I believe the evidence warrants that
step and I always give her my candid advice, which has not
included a recommendation that she seek an independent counsel.




	"I do not intend to leave as head of the Task Force until my
replacement has been chosen and an orderly transition can occur. 
The report which I am planning to write is an effort, in
connection with the transition, to pull together all of the many
strands of the investigation for the Attorney General and for my
replacement.  Of course, as always, if I conclude that the
evidence and the law warrant appointment of an independent
counsel, I will so recommend, as the Attorney General has always
encouraged me to do.  




	"The Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General have
fully supported the Task Force, and I have every confidence in
the way they are handling the matter.  They are committed to a
vigorous investigation and prosecution of all campaign finance
matters and have told me to pursue the evidence wherever it
leads.  That is what I have done and what I expect the Task Force
to continue to do."




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