TEHRAN, YJC. -- Ex-CIA chief David Petraeus has apologized for adultery and acknowledged the toll it has taken on his family and reputation.
Speaking at an event honouring US veterans the storied US Army general confessed he could "never fully assuage the pain that I inflicted on those closest to me and on a number of others” but added that "life doesn't stop with such a mistake. It can and must go on.”
Petraeus’s speech before a congregation of University of Southern California veterans and Reserve Officers' Training Corps students was his first public appearance since he got caught up in a sex scandal involving his biographer, Paula Broadwell, an Army reserve intelligence officer who is also married.
"I can, however, try to move forward in a manner that is consistent with the values to which I subscribed before slipping my moorings and, as best as possible, to make amends to those I have hurt and let down,” he noted.
Petraeus received a standing ovation for his words, months after a media storm brought him down with a crash and effectively ended his long career with US intelligence.
Media say it was a stunning downfall for a revered military man who was seen as one of top American leaders of his generation and was once considered a potential contender for the White House.
David Petraeus acknowledged that he was viewed in a different light today than a year ago and then offered his apology.
"Please allow me to begin my remarks this evening by reiterating how deeply I regret and apologize for the circumstances that led me to resign from the CIA and caused such pain for my family, friends and supporters,” the former CIA director said.
Reuters