Text of Statement About Meese

Following is the text of the statement issued Friday by the office of independent counsel James C. McKay regarding the investigation of Atty. Gen. Edwin Meese III:

James C. McKay, the independent counsel investigating Atty. Gen. Edwin Meese III, in order to clarify the current status of this criminal investigation, announced today that, based on the evidence developed to date, he does not intend to recommend that the grand jury return an indictment against Mr. Meese as to the “Aqaba pipeline” matter or as to the matters relating to Mr. Meese’s investments including the so-called “Baby Bells” matter.

This announcement is being made because of recent media reports that an indictment is imminent.

Mr. McKay has previously made a similar announcement with respect to the Wedtech matter.

Mr. McKay emphasized, however, that the grand jury’s investigation is not yet complete as to these and other matters, and will continue at least through the end of April.

If at the end of that period of time there remains insufficient evidence to warrant a prosecution as to these or any other matters, and if the grand jury and the office of independent counsel concur that further investigation is not warranted, the office of independent counsel will issue a report covering all the matters which have been under investigation.

Also, in that event, Mr. McKay will refer all of those matters for review and action by the appropriate administrative authorities.