In news from Washington, Valerie Plame has spoken publicly for the first time since she was outted as a CIA operative three years ago. Last week she filed a lawsuit against Vice President Dick Cheney, presidential aide Karl Rove and Cheney’s former chief of staff Lewis “Scooter” Libby for conspiring to end her career and putting her and her family at risk. She was outted as a CIA operative shortly after her husband Ambassador Joseph Wilson had gone public with findings challenging one of the Bush administration’s pre-war claims on Iraqi weapons.

• Valerie Plame, speaking on Friday: “I and my former CIA colleagues, trusted our government as we did our jobs. That a few reckless individuals within the current administration betrayed that trust has been a grave disappointment to every patriotic American. Joe and I have filed this action with heavy hearts but with a renewed sense of purpose. I would much rather be continuing my career as a public servant than be a plaintiff in a lawsuit. But I feel strongly and justice demands that those who acted so harmfully against our national security must answer for their shameful conduct in court.”