Published 15:00 IST, November 5th 2019
First impeachment transcript made public, ex-envoy feels threatened
The House Intelligence Committee made first testimonies public of Ex-Ukraine Envoy and former senior advisor to Secretary of State during impeachment inquiry
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The House Intelligence Committee made the first testimonies public of Ex-Ukraine Envoy and former senior advisor to Secretary of State during the ongoing impeachment inquiry against United States President Donald Trump on November 4. The former US ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch had also said that she feels threatened by Trump administration even after leaving the office. President Trump had referred to her as 'bad news' during his call with the Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelensky which further 'shocked' Yovanovitch. When the investigators asked about her reaction when she read her name in the transcription, it also made Yovanovitch 'very concerned'.
Marie says she was target of Trump administration
Marie Yovanovitch told the investigators that she was a target of a secret plot by President Trump along with his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani for her immediate removal from the office on November 5. The US President had also referred to Yovanovitch during his controversial phone call with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky on July 25. Marie Yovanovitch also said that she was 'urged to tweet and do things like that in support' of President Trump in order to take care of the 'American interests'. This is the new phase of the impeachment inquiry which will also be expected to include public questioning of significant figures in the Trump administration.
'Contamination of US foreign policy'
Adam Schiff, the Chairman of House of Intelligence leading the investigation along with chairs of two other panels said that the recent testimonies showcase the 'contamination of US foreign policy' with the creation of irregular backchannel in order to gain advances in President's personal as well as political interests. Schiff also said that these statements further raise 'serious concerns' that such activities existed across the US government. The testimonies of two more witnesses will be released on November 5 of then-special representative on Ukraine Kurt Volker and US Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland.
The president continues to target public servants, including those who have served their country in combat, with baseless attacks.
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) November 3, 2019
Efforts to intimidate or threaten witnesses will further build the case for obstruction, itself an impeachable offense. https://t.co/InoxFCEEAb
(With inputs from agencies)
14:02 IST, November 5th 2019