David Petraeus denies leaking classified information to lover

Former CIA Director General David Petraeus, who resigned in the wake of the widening sex scandal with his biographer Paula Broadwell, has denied passing classified information to his lover, as closed-door hearing began.

The FBI investigation focuses on how the Petraeus' biographer came to have restricted material on the personal computer in her house.

Petraeus also has said that his resignation was solely the result of the affair and was not linked, as some Republicans have hinted, to the CIA's role during the Benghazi attack in which the US ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens, and three other Americans, including two CIA security men, were killed.

According to the Guardian, the CIA said it had opened an 'exploratory' investigation into the conduct of Petraeus.

CIA spokesman Preston Golson said that the investigation by its inspector general 'doesn't presuppose any particular outcome'.

"At the CIA we are constantly reviewing our performance", he said.

According to the report, Petraeus has agreed to give evidence on Friday to congressional intelligence committees looking into the security failures around Stevens' death, including allegations that the State Department turned down appeals from US officials in Libya for more protection, and accusations that the CIA and other agencies failed to heed warning signs of an attack.

ALSO READ

Pakistan issues advisory, cautions its citizens over travelling to India

10 killed in Pak election meeting blast

Myanmar charges 6 Muslims for sectarian violence

Boston suspect's friend released on bail pending trial