US ambassador to UN resigns
Following Senate's refusal to confirm his appointment, John Bolton announces he will step down when his recess appointment expires soon
Unable to win Senate confirmation, UN Ambassador John Bolton - thought of as an avid supporter of Israel - will step down when his recess appointment expires soon, the White House said Monday. Bolton's nomination has languished in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for more than a year, blocked by Democrats and several Republicans.
Sen. Lincoln Chafee, a moderate Republican who lost in the elections Nov. 7 that swept Democrats to power in both houses of Congress, was adamantly opposed to Bolton.
President George W. Bush gave Bolton the job temporarily in August 2005, while Congress was in recess. But the appointment expires when Congress formally adjourns, no later than early January.
Although Bush could not give Bolton another recess appointment, the White House was believed to be exploring other ways of keeping him in the job, perhaps by giving him a title other than ambassador. But Bolton informed the White House he intended to leave when his current appointment expires, White House deputy press secretary Dana Perino said.
Bush planned to meet with Bolton and his wife later Monday at the White House.
As late as last month, Bush, through his top aides, said he would not relent in his defense of Bolton, despite unwavering opposition from Democrats who view Bolton as too combative for international diplomacy.
The White House resubmitted Bolton's nomination last month. But with Democrats capturing control of the next Congress, his chances of winning confirmation appeared slight. The incoming chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Democratic Sen. Joe Biden, said he saw "no point in considering Mr. Bolton's nomination again."
Bush slams Bolton's opponents in Senate
In a statement issued by the president in response to the Bolton's resignation, Bush wrote: "It is with deep regret that I accept John Bolton's decision to end his service…"
"Over a year ago, I appointed Ambassador Bolton because I knew he would represent America's values and effectively confront difficult problems at the United Nations. He served his country with extraordinary dedication and skill, assembling coalitions that addressed some of the most consequential issues facing the international community. During his tenure, he articulately advocated the positions and values of the United States and advanced the expansion of democracy and liberty," the president stated.
Bush further wrote that Bolton had led negotiations that resulted in Security Council resolutions regarding North Korea and Iran, and lauded him for his efforts to promote intervention in Darfur.
The president also leveled criticism at the politicians he holds responsible for thwarting Bolton's appointment. "I am deeply disappointed that a handful of United States Senators prevented Ambassador Bolton from receiving the up or down vote he deserved in the Senate. They chose to obstruct his confirmation, even though he enjoys majority support in the Senate, and even though their tactics will disrupt our diplomatic work at a sensitive and important time."
"This stubborn obstructionism ill serves our country, and discourages men and women of talent from serving their Nation, Bush added.
The statement concluded by saying that "all Americans owe John Bolton their gratitude for a job well done."
