9/11 panel scours Clinton records

9/11 panel scours Clinton records

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (AP) -- Federal commissioners investigating the 2001 terrorist attacks have been poring over some 6,000 documents from former President Bill Clinton's presidential archive.

Archivists for Clinton's presidential library spent three months gathering papers requested by the commission and recently finished sending the information to Washington, said David Alsobrook, director of materials collection.

While presidential records are sealed for five years by law after a president leaves office, an exception was made to allow early access for the September 11 commission, and in some other cases. (Gallery: Key 9/11 Commission testimony)

"Part of our job is to provide access to presidential records for special commissions, to U.S. attorneys and Congress.

"All of these fall under the category of special access requests," said Alsobrook, a former archivist for former Presidents Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush.

The request ranged from specific documents to general information about topics related to the commission's work, Alsobrook said Tuesday. He wouldn't be more specific.

Clinton and former Vice President Al Gore have agreed to meet privately with the 10-member commission.

The commission also plans to schedule a joint private interview with President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. (Rice may testify next week)

The Clinton Presidential Library is set to open November 18.