Top White House lawyer resigns (Roundup)

Nov 13, 2009, 15:56 GMT

Washington - US President Barack Obama's top lawyer will resign by the end of the year and return to private practice, the White House said Friday.

Greg Craig served as White House counsel through the Obama administration's first year, shepherding through the appointment of Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic justice on the Supreme Court.

The White House offered no reason for his resignation, but Craig has reportedly faced criticism for his handling of Obama's plans to close the controversial Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba by January 22.

The Justice Department's head, Attorney General Eric Holder, told reporters he was surprised by Craig's sudden departure. He said Craig had taken an 'unfair proportion of the blame' for the problems with Guantanamo, which is unlikely to be closed by Obama's deadline.

Holder's comments came as he announced that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the admitted mastermind of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, will be transferred from Guantanamo and tried in a civilian court along with four alleged accomplices.

Craig will be replaced by Bob Bauer, a long-time Democratic lawyer who has already served as Obama's private attorney. He currently works for Perkins Coie LLP.

Obama said Craig has been a 'huge asset' to the White House who 'ensured that we are keeping the nation secure in a manner that is consistent with our laws and our values.'

In a letter of resignation released by the White House, Craig said it had been 'a busy first year, and I feel very lucky to have been a part of it.'