Monday, March 31, 2008

Bush admin aide quits over USAID investigation

A White House aide resigned recently over allegations that he misused funds from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Felipe Sixto- the now ex-associate director of the office of intergovernmental affairs- quit his post over "a conflict of interest" relating to USAID funds at his previous job at the Center for a Free Cuba.

Several Cuban-American politicos from South Florida have opined over the matter:

Florida Republican Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario and Lincoln Diaz-Balart said in a joint statement that they were "deeply disturbed by any allegation of misuse of taxpayer funds" and urged the Department of Justice and the USAID's inspector general "to move thoroughly and swiftly in investigating all the facts in this matter."

Joe Garcia, a Democrat running to unseat Mario Diaz-Balart, said the resignation underscored "the fundamental flaws of a policy designed to win votes in Miami and patronize partisan supporters, not bring freedom to Cuba."

In light of Sixto’s resignation, White House officials said they have modified its policy on funding anti-Castro groups.

Sources- UPI, Postbulletin.com, Houston Chronicle, AHN

Image- grain.org


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