FACTBOX-Highlights from former U.S. special counsel Mueller's testimony

Former U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller testified on Wednesday to the U.S. House of Representatives about his investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and any possible obstruction of justice by President Donald Trump.

Below are highlights from his comments to the first hearing before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee. He is scheduled to testify later before the House intelligence panel. OPENING STATEMENT

"During the course of our investigation, we charged more than 30 defendants with committing federal crimes, including 12 officers of the Russian military. Seven defendants have been convicted or pled guilty." "First, our investigation found that the Russian government interfered in our election in a sweeping and systematic fashion.

Second, the investigation did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired with the Russian government in its election interference activities. We did not address 'collusion,' which is not a legal term. Rather, we focused on whether the evidence was sufficient to charge any member of the campaign by taking part in a criminal conspiracy. It was not. Third, our investigation of efforts to obstruct the investigation and lie to investigators was of critical importance. Finally, as described in Volume 2 of our report, we investigated a series of actions by the president towards the investigation. Based on Justice Department policy and principles of fairness, we decided we would not make a determination as to whether the President committed a crime. That was our decision then and it remains our decision today."

"I do not intend to summarize or describe the results of our work in a different way in the course of my testimony today. As I said on May 29: The report is my testimony." ON TRUMP

"Obstruction of justice strikes at the core of the government's effort to find the truth and to hold wrongdoers accountable." "Based on Justice Department policy and principles of fairness, we decided we would not make a determination as to whether the president committed a crime. That was our decision then and remains our decision today."

Asked whether the report exonerated Trump on the question of obstruction of justice, Mueller said: "That is not what the report said." "The president was not exculpated for the acts that he allegedly committed"

Asked if Trump wanted Mueller fired for investigating possible obstruction of justice: "That's what it says in the report, yes. I stand by the report." ON ROLE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL BARR

"I will not comment on the actions of the attorney general or of Congress." "Based on Justice Department policy and principles of fairness, we decided we would not make a determination as to whether the president committed a crime. That was our decision then and remains our decision today."

Also Read: Democrats questioning Robert Mueller to focus on obstruction