Obama Warns National Security Leaks Cost Lives

U.S. President Barack Obama warned Thursday that national security leaks to the news media could cost lives, defending his administration's pursuit of those who reveal classified information.

But Obama said it was important to find a balance between security and press freedom, as he addressed the furor triggered by the Justice Department's secret seizure of the phone records of reporters at the Associated Press.

"Leaks related to national security can put people at risk," Obama told reporters at the White House, as he met Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"They can put men and women in uniform that I've sent into the battlefield at risk. They can put some of our intelligence officers who are in various dangerous situations that are easily compromised at risk.

"I make no apologies, and I don't think the American people would expect me, as commander in chief, not to be concerned about information that might compromise their missions or might get them killed."

But Obama added that "we also live in a democracy where a free press, free expression and the open flow of information helps hold me accountable, helps hold our government accountable and helps our democracy function."

He said his administration is working on "finding a way to strike that balance appropriately."

On Wednesday, the White House backed legislation to strengthen journalists' rights to protect sources, as it faced growing criticism over the seizure of reporters' phone records by agents seeking the source of government leaks.