By RON FOURNIER, AP White House Correspondent
WASHINGTON - Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger stepped down Friday as chairman of a panel investigating the Sept. 11 attacks, citing controversy over potential conflicts of interest with his private-sector clients.
"It is clear that, although specific potential conflicts can be resolved in this manner, the controversy would quickly move to the consulting firm I have built and own," Kissinger wrote in a letter to President Bush (news - web sites), who appointed him. "I have, therefore, concluded that I cannot accept the responsibility you proposed."