FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AG

THURSDAY MAY 24, 2001

(202) 616-2777

WWW.USDOJ.GOV

TDD (202) 514-1888

ATTORNEY GENERAL STATEMENT ON THE CONFIRMATION
OF TED OLSON, MICHAEL CHERTOFF AND VIET DINH

WASHINGTON, DC-- Attorney General John Ashcroft today issued the following statements regarding the confirmation of Ted Olson as Solicitor General, Michael Chertoff as Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division and Viet Dinh as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Policy Development:

"I am pleased that Ted Olson will be joining the Department as Solicitor General following today's Senate confirmation. I trust that he will serve our country with honor, with his eyes on the Constitution and his objectives above politics. He is a man of high principle and unparalleled experience, and we are fortunate he has agreed to serve this nation in such an important capacity. His talents will be a crucial component in our goal to make certain that no American feels beyond the protection of the law.

"Michael Chertoff's credentials and experience are impressive. He will be a great asset to us, and I look forward to working with him to keep our communities safe and our system of justice strong. I trust he will bring the same honor to this post as he has shown in his many years of public service.

"Viet Dinh's knowledge of the important issues that confront us will be of crucial importance to the Department of Justice. I look forward to working with him and seeking his help to achieve our goals. He will bring invaluable perspective and intellect to our pursuit of justice."

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