WASHINGTON - Valerie Plame Friday called Vice President Cheney and alleged leakers who blew her cover as a CIA spy "reckless" and "shameful."

Plame is suing Cheney, his ex-chief of staff Lewis (Scooter) Libby and President Bush's political guru Karl Rove for allegedly outing her in 2003 in a bid to discredit her husband, an Iraq war critic.

"I am proud to have served my country by working at the Central Intelligence Agency," Plame told reporters in her first public remarks since retiring from the clandestine service this year.

"I and my former CIA colleagues trusted our government to protect us," said Plame. "That a few reckless individuals within the current administration betrayed that trust has been a grave disappointment to every patriotic American."

Unnamed defendants in the lawsuit include "John Does" in the alleged conspiracy whom the Wilsons hope to uncover as the case progresses. Their lawyer, Christopher Wolf, would not say whether they suspect President Bush.

Spokesmen for Cheney and Libby have declined comment. Rove's spokesman has said the case is "without merit."

"Those who acted so harmfully against our national security must answer for their shameful conduct in court," said Plame, flanked by her husband and co-plaintiff, former Ambassador Joseph Wilson.