On Friday, President-elect Obama formally nominated Leon Panetta to be CIA Director and retired Admiral Dennis Blair to be National Intelligence Director. Obama said Panetta and Blair have been given a charge not to engage in torture.

President-elect Barack Obama: “Under my administration, the United States does not torture. We will abide by the Geneva Conventions that we will uphold our highest values and ideals. And that is a clear charge that I’ve given to Admiral Blair and to Leon Panetta. And I think it is important for us to do that not only because that’s who we are, but also, ultimately, it will make us safer and will help in changing hearts and minds in our struggle against extremists.”