WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro today issued the following statement upon learning that President Bush nominated White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales for the position of U.S. attorney general.

“I am concerned by Mr. Gonzales’ remarks that described some legal protections guaranteed under the Geneva Conventions as ‘obsolete’ and ‘quaint’ in the war on terror. The U.S. attorney general must not only defend our country from the threat of terrorism, but uphold basic human rights and protect our precious civil liberties. These historic safeguards are critical to the rights of soldiers and civilians given the ongoing war in Iraq and the terrorist threat faced by our country.

“As the confirmation process begins, I hope Mr. Gonzales will assume a more balanced approach to the war on terror.”