North Defense Claim Held ‘Shocking’
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WASHINGTON — Oliver L. North’s claim that he was not warned that lying to Congress would result in criminal prosecution shows that he holds a “shocking and cynical” view of American government, Iran-Contra prosecutors said Monday.
The former presidential aide’s argument that he cannot be prosecuted for making false statements about aiding the Nicaraguan rebels is “incompatible with the aspirations of our system of government and, we believe, inconsistent with any but the most jaundiced view of the realities of politics and government,” the prosecutors said in a reply to defense motions.
Independent counsel Lawrence E. Walsh, meanwhile, consented to dismissal of another of the 16 counts against North, a former National Security Council official and retired Marine lieutenant colonel.
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