03:24USA: Rep. Omar grills Special Envoy to Venezuela Elliot Abrams over Iran-Contra role
US Representative Ilhan Omar grilled US Special Envoy to Venezuela Elliot Abrams over his past role in the Contra-Iran affair before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs in Washington, DC on Wednesday.
"In 1991 you pleaded guilty to two counts of withholding information from Congress regarding your involvement in Iran-Contra affair," Omar said, adding: "I fail to understand why, members if this committee or the American people should find any testimony that you give today to be truthful."
When Abrams tried to respond, Omar interrupted him by saying: "That was not a question."
Abrams, who has been named Special Envoy to Venezuela by US Secretary Mike Pompeo, claimed that "sanctions alone" will not have any impact in Venezuela.
The meeting was momentarily disrupted by a protester shouting "you are a convicted criminal" at Abrams.
In 1991, Elliot Abrams pled guilty to two counts of withholding information from Congress about the involvement of the Reagan administration and his role in the Iran-Contra affair, and the support of guerrilla Nicaraguan groups known as Contras. Abrams was later pardoned by President George H.W Bush.
03:24US Representative Ilhan Omar grilled US Special Envoy to Venezuela Elliot Abrams over his past role in the Contra-Iran affair before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs in Washington, DC on Wednesday.
"In 1991 you pleaded guilty to two counts of withholding information from Congress regarding your involvement in Iran-Contra affair," Omar said, adding: "I fail to understand why, members if this committee or the American people should find any testimony that you give today to be truthful."
When Abrams tried to respond, Omar interrupted him by saying: "That was not a question."
Abrams, who has been named Special Envoy to Venezuela by US Secretary Mike Pompeo, claimed that "sanctions alone" will not have any impact in Venezuela.
The meeting was momentarily disrupted by a protester shouting "you are a convicted criminal" at Abrams.
In 1991, Elliot Abrams pled guilty to two counts of withholding information from Congress about the involvement of the Reagan administration and his role in the Iran-Contra affair, and the support of guerrilla Nicaraguan groups known as Contras. Abrams was later pardoned by President George H.W Bush.