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If confirmed by the US Senate as Minister of Justice, William Barr will have to decide on Russia's investigation. On the first day of his hearing in the United States Senate, he emphasized his independence.
By Martin Ganslmeier, ARD Studio Washington
Those who feared that US President Donald Trump would get a government justice minister with William Barr, who had banned special investigator Robert Mueller, could breathe a sigh of relief after the Senate hearing. Precisely in his inaugural statement, the 68 year old assured that Trump had not claimed any insurance from him. And he did not give it "except that I manage the ministry with professionalism and integrity".
Barr, who was formerly Minister of Justice from 1991 to 1993 under George Bush Senior, appeared to senators with confidence and tranquility. He was not torn from the office, he wanted nothing more and can not be put under pressure by anyone:
"I will not do anything that I think is wrong and I'm not going to force myself to do something wrong, by anyone, editor, congress or president, I'll do what I think is right."
"Maximum respect for Mueller"
Even so, there will be no early termination or obstruction of Russia's investigation with him, Barr promised. It is "essential" that Mueller can finish his work. He has known him for 30 years: "We have been friends since then and I have the utmost respect for him and for his exceptional work in the public office".
And when the senators asked him, Barr added that, even if urged by the president or major republicans, Mueller will be "allowed under my responsibility to finish his job".
Giuliani contradicted
Barr was not in agreement with the assessment of the lawyer Rudy Giuliani that the results of the investigation on Mueller were to be published only in modified form. The public has the right, Barr said, to be informed in the most transparent way possible and as much as possible on Mueller's discoveries.
Unlike his future leader, the president of the United States, Barr does not believe that "Mueller would join the witch hunt". Even Trump's anger on Jeff Sessions does not divide Barr. That his predecessor had withdrawn due to the partiality of the Russia Special Investigation was correct.
Conclusion of the first hearing: Barr has commanded from a sovereign appearance that attacks little and can expect the Senate to confirm him Minister of Justice. Rather, Trump may have doubted that Barr would be his desired "advocate for the president".
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