Gates: no comment on any CIA role in Libya

WASHINGTON: Defense Secretary Robert Gates Thursday refused to comment on CIA activities in Libya, but assured Congress there would be no U.S. military "boots on the ground"in the country.

"I can not speak to all activities of the CIA, but I'll tell you that the president was very clear that for the U.S. military, there will be no boots on the ground, " Gates told parliament during a hearing on the operations for Libya.

The comments came a day after revelations that President Barack Obama signed a secret order authorizing secret U.S. government support for rebels seeking to oust Qaddafi. - (Reuters)