    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [August 5, 1999]
    [Page 1386]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1386]]

    Statement on Senate Confirmation of United States Ambassador and
    Permanent Representative to the United Nations
    August 5, 1999

        I am deeply gratified that the Senate has approved Ambassador
    Richard C. Holbrooke's nomination to be
    the U.S. Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
    I am grateful to Ambassador Holbrooke for his commitment to public
    service and especially for his willingness to persevere through the
    confirmation process.
        Vice President Gore, Secretary Albright, and I welcome him back to
    our foreign policy team. With the U.N. facing significant challenges in
    Kosovo, Iraq, Africa, and elsewhere, Ambassador Holbrooke is the right
    person to lead our efforts at the U.N. He will play a key role in
    working with the Congress to meet our obligations and to secure needed
    reforms at the United Nations.
        Since he joined the Foreign Service 37 years ago, Ambassador
    Holbrooke has served our Nation with distinction in Asia, Africa, and
    Europe. I am confident that he will represent the United States with
    dedication.