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DECEMBER 8, 2000

The following are comments Attorney General Janet Reno made during her weekly session with the media on December 7, 2000.

Q: On another clemency matter, have you made a recommendation yourself to the president regarding Leonard Peltier?

RENO: The department has, but I don't comment on the process.

Q: Is this a recent recommendation?

RENO: I don't comment on the process.

Q: Do you feel that, as attorney general and the ultimate supervisor of FBI agents, that you can say anything more than you would ordinarily say on the clemency application?

RENO: Again, in clemency matters, it is the decision of the president and it is a matter that should be discussed with the president.

Q: Do you feel it's appropriate for Louis Freeh to be making public comments on this?

RENO: I think these matters should be confined to discussions with the president.

Q: (Off mike) -- Director Freeh (is/has) asked to go and carry his case to the president?

RENO: Again, I think what I do vis-a-vis the president is a matter for the president to reveal.

Q: Ms. Reno, regarding Leonard Peltier, he was convicted, and the FBI believes, that he stood over two of their agents and killed them as they begged for their lives. Do you know of any evidence that suggests this is not the case?

ATTY GEN. RENO: I would not comment on the matter. Again, the president is entitled to make a decision based on the statements of the executive branch, and anybody else that has relevant information.

And it's he that should make the comment.

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Reno mum on Peltier details (The Talking Circle 12/8)