    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [December 4, 2006]
    [Pages 2148-2149]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the Resignation of John R. Bolton
    as United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations
    December 4, 2006

        The President. I received the resignation of Ambassador John Bolton.
    I accepted; I'm not happy about it. I think he deserved to be confirmed.
    And the reason why I think he deserved to be confirmed is because I know
    he did a fabulous job for the country.
        And I want to thank you and Gretchen for
    serving in a very important position, and doing so in a way that a lot
    of Americans really appreciate, John. We're going to miss you in this
    administration. You've been a stalwart defender of freedom and peace.
    You've been strong in your advocacy for human rights and human dignity.
    You've done everything that can be expected for an Ambassador.

    [[Page 2149]]

        And I accept your letter, and I wish you and Gretchen all the very best.
        Ambassador Bolton. Many thanks.
        The President. Thank you. Thanks for serving.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:49 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Gretchen Bolton, wife of
    Ambassador Bolton. The Office of the Press Secretary also made available
    Ambassador Bolton's letter of resignation.