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Bergdahl Lawyers Requesting Meeting With Trump Regarding His Statements

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP)-- Attorneys for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl have asked Donald Trump for a meeting to determine whether to seek a deposition or call him as a witness at a hearing.

Bergdahl's attorney, Army Lt. Col. Franklin Rosenblatt, asks the presidential contender in a Saturday-dated letter for an interview to discuss his comments about Bergdahl. The letter sent to Trump's New York office says the interview could determine whether they'll seek a deposition or have him as a witness.

Defense attorney Eugene Fidell told The Associated Press via email that Trump's comments about Bergdahl could affect his right to a fair trial.

While campaigning, Trump has referred to Bergdahl as a deserter and suggested that he deserves the death penalty if convicted. Trump also mentioned that other soldiers were killed while searching for Bergdahl after he went missing.

Bergdahl, who walked off a post in Afghanistan in 2009, faces charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. A summer trial is tentatively scheduled.

Trump's campaign didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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