Skilling, the Enron CEO that resigned in Summer 2001, said he relied on the company's accountants, Arthur Andersen, and did not know of the possibly illegal financing schemes of a "Special Purpose Entity" known as Raptor.

"Quite frankly, as long as the accountants had told me that they thought this was an appropriate structure, I felt comfortable with it," he said.

Skilling also denied Enron vice president Sherron Watkins' accusation that Skilling and former Enron CFO Andrew Fastow "duped" Kenneth Lay.

"I heard Ms. Watkins testify as to her opinion," said Skilling. "I have no idea what the basis was for this opinion."

Incidentally, Watkins, a certified public accountant, was seated nearby during the five-hour hearing, also answering the senators' questions.

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