NEW YORK, Aug 13: Congressman Porter Goss, nominated by US President George Bush to head the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), in an interview in March had disqualified himself for the job saying: "I couldn't get a job with CIA today. I am not qualified."

In an interview released days after his nomination, Mr Goss told writer Director Michael Moore in March, "I don't have the language skills. I, you know, my language skills were Romance languages and stuff. We're looking for Arabists today. I don't have the cultural background, probably."

The interview was given by Mr Goss during the filming of Mr Moore's highly successful movie, "Fahrenheit 9/11". It did not make it into the final edit of the film, which criticizes President Bush's policy on Iraq.

However, following Mr Goss's nomination by the president, Mr Moore has released the transcript and video excerpt on his website. "And I certainly don't have the technical skills, as my children remind me every day: 'Dad, you got to get better on your computer", Mr Goss is showed saying on the video.

"So, the things that you need to have, I don't have," Mr Goss asserted. The White House dismissed the Moore interview transcript as "ridiculous hearsay" and emphasized the depth of bipartisan respect for Goss on Capitol Hill.

"Porter Goss has very strong support from Republicans, and Democrats including Senator Bob Graham of Florida," said White House spokesman Trent Duffy. Graham is the former head of Senate intelligence committee.

Mr Goss, 65, is a former officer with US army intelligence and the CIA. Announcing the appointment on Tuesday, Mr Bush said Mr Goss was the "right man" to head the agency. "Porter Goss is a leader with strong experience in intelligence and in fighting against terrorism," Bush added.