LOS ANGELES–In a front page article Friday–The Los Angeles Times probed recent questionable Central Intelligence Agency background check requests made by former Clinton aide Sheila Heslin–despite a presidential order banning the distribution of such information.
The article entitled "Despite Ban–Clinton Aide Sought CIA Data on Citizens," named–among other citizens–Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region activist and former chairperson Dr. Sahag Baghdassarian.
According to the Times–Heslin asked for a background check on Baghdassarian following the Glendale resident’s nomination to the United States Holocaust Museum Board.
In addition–recently uncovered CIA memos indicate Heslin also requested background checks on Iranian-American Rob Sobhani and Lebanese-American businessman Roger Tamraz.
A National Security Council spokesperson reportedly told the Times that "while it is illegal–with certain exceptions–for the CIA to spy on US citizens or distribute intelligence about them–it is not illegal for the White House to ask the CIA for such information."
When contacted by the Times for comment–Baghdassarian said he was dismayed by the revelation. "This doesn’t sit well with me. I am a registered Democrat." Baghdassarian told the Times.
