Statement by John Browne

Contact: Linn Tytler, ltytler@lanl.gov, (505) 667-1455 (03-001)

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LOS ALAMOS, N.M., Jan. 2, 2003 -- I have informed University of California president Richard C. Atkinson that I am resigning my position as Director of Los Alamos National Laboratory effective Monday, Jan. 6, 2003.

It has been my great honor to serve as director for the last five years. While there were many challenges to overcome during my tenure, my fondest memory will be of the great people that I came to know, both in the Laboratory and in the local communities.

I am also very proud of the scientific and programmatic accomplishments that we made during this period.

The current controversy over our financial and business controls, which arose initially from the misuse of government procurements by a few employees, has brought serious criticism of the Laboratory's management. As Laboratory director, I accept personal accountability for everything that happens here, both good and bad. Therefore, I believe that only a change in leadership will restore the confidence that is needed for Los Alamos National Laboratory to carry out its difficult and important mission. That national security mission has never been more important to our great nation.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is operated by the University of California for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the U.S. Department of Energy and works in partnership with NNSA's Sandia and Lawrence Livermore national laboratories to support NNSA in its mission.

Los Alamos enhances global security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health and national security concerns.

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