Petraeus fends off talk of CIA job

KABUL (AFP) – General David Petraeus, US commander of foreign forces in Afghanistan, admitted he had held talks about his future Saturday while batting away questions about whether he could be the next CIA director.

National Public Radio in the United States reported Monday that Petraeus, who is expected to leave his current job later this year, was being seriously considered as the next head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

When asked about it by reporters in Kabul, Petraeus said: “I think it’s probably not appropriate for me to comment on whatever might be considered at the end of the road.

“I’ve had discussions… but it wouldn’t be appropriate to comment.”

He also reiterated that he would stay in Afghanistan “through the fighting season” which typically starts within weeks and runs into late in the year.

“At this point in life, you serve at the pleasure of the elected leaders above you and when they decide what the future holds, obviously I’ll salute smartly and execute their decisions,” Petraeus added.

He was speaking after a farewell ceremony for NATO’s senior civilian representative for Afghanistan, Mark Sedwill, who is being replaced by the British former ambassador to Iran, Simon Gass.