New head of Mortenson's charity promises transparency

By MATT VOLZ Associated Press

HELENA, Mont. - The family friend of Greg Mortenson who has stepped in to run the Central Asia Institute promises "full transparency" of how the charity's finances are managed.

Anne Beyersdorfer, an independent public relations professional from Washington, was responding Wednesday to an inquiry launched by Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock.

Bullock opened the inquiry in the aftermath of reports by "60 Minutes" and author Jon Krakauer that Mortenson, coauthor of "Three Cups of Tea," lied about events in his best-selling book. The reports also allege Mortenson may have financially benefited from the Central Asia Institute.

Mortenson has been hospitalized in Bozeman and is awaiting surgery next week for a hole in his aortic ventricular wall.

Beyersdorfer says Mortenson will be OK and he will probably see this as a teaching experience.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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