(CNN) -     Allen's nomination to be the military head of NATO
was put on hold by the Obama administration pending the outcome
of the inspector general review. The secretary of defense must
decide whether to recommend that the White House proceed with
the nomination. But it was unclear whether Secretary Leon
Panetta would make that decision or leave it for the next
secretary of defense.  The Pentagon released a statement late
Tuesday that said Panetta was "pleased" with the conclusion of
the inspector general's investigation.  "The secretary has
complete confidence in the continued leadership of General
Allen, who is serving with distinction in Afghanistan," the
statement read.