Ex-Trump adviser Michael Flynn says Trump transition team directed his contacts with Russians

Ex-Trump adviser Michael Flynn admits in plea that Trump transition team directed his contacts with the Russians.

Text of a statement issued by former national security adviser Michael Flynn following his guilty plea to lying to the FBI about his contacts with a Russian diplomat: 

"After over 33 years of military service to our country, including nearly five years in combat away from my family, and then my decision to continue to serve the United States, it has been extraordinarily painful to endure these many months of false accusations of "treason" and other outrageous acts.

"Such false accusations are contrary to everything I have ever done and stood for. But I recognize that the actions I acknowledged in court today were wrong, and, through my faith in God, I am working to set things right. My guilty plea and agreement to cooperate with the Special Counsel's Office reflect a decision I made in the best interests of my family and of our country. I accept full responsibility for my actions."