9/11 Panel: Rice won't appear at public hearing

[UpInArms]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/02/25/911.commission/

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The commission investigating the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks said Wednesday that National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice had declined their request to testify at a public hearing next month.

"We are disappointed by this decision," commission members said in a statement Wednesday. "We believe the nation would be well served by the contribution she can make to public understanding of the intelligence and policy issues being examined by the Commission."

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The statement said that Bush and Cheney "prefer not to meet with all members of the Commission."

Former President Bill Clinton and former Vice President Al Gore have agreed to meet privately with all members of the commission, the statement said.

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