House Intelligence Chair Applauds CIA Contractor's Release

Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), the chair of the House Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement Wednesday on the release of CIA operative Raymond Davis:

“I am happy Pakistan has finally done the right thing and released Mr. Davis. He and his family have been in our thoughts and prayers these 49 days, and I am relieved that we are finally bringing him home.”

“As a U.S. diplomat, Mr. Davis is protected by the Vienna Convention and should never have been arrested or detained.  If Pakistan wants to be taken seriously as a state based on the rule of law, it must respect its international obligations.  Pakistan and the U.S. cooperate on many levels because it is in our mutual interest.  Irresponsible behavior like this jeopardizes everything our two nations have built together.”

Multiple reports today suggested that the U.S. might have paid Pakistan as much as $2.3 million to secure Davis’ release.