WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 (Xinhuanet) -- US Vice President Dick Cheney said on Friday that his former chief of staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, was "presumed innocent" until a contrary finding is made by a jury.

    "In our system of government an accused person is presumed innocent until a contrary finding is made by a jury after an opportunity to answer the charges and a full airing of the facts," Cheney said in a statement.

    Cheney said he had accepted Libby's decision to resign "with deep regret", and it was "inappropriate" for him to comment on the charges or on any facts relating to the proceeding.

    Charges against Libby included obstruction of justice, two counts of making a false statement and two counts of perjury, according to court documents.

    Libby, 55, was considered one of the key officials in the administration's planning for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

    If convicted, Libby faces up to 30 years in jail and a 1.25 million US dollar fine. Enditem