    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [December 4, 2006]
    [Pages 2149-2150]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

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

        It is with deep regret that I accept John Bolton's decision to end
    his service in the administration as Permanent Representative of the
    United States to the United Nations when his commission expires.
        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.
        Ambassador Bolton led the successful negotiations that resulted in
    unanimous Security Council resolutions regarding North Korea's military
    and nuclear activities. He built consensus among our allies on the need
    for Iran to suspend the enrichment and reprocessing of uranium. His
    efforts to promote the cause of peace in Darfur resulted in a
    peacekeeping commitment by the United Nations. He made the case for
    United Nations reform because he cares about the institution and wants
    it to become more credible and effective.
        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.
        I thank John Bolton for the dedication and skill with which he
    performed his duties, and his wife, Gretchen, and daughter, Jennifer Sarah, for their support as Ambassador Bolton served his country.
    All Americans owe John Bolton their gratitude for a job well done.

     Note: The Office of the Press Secretary also made available Ambassador
    Bolton's letter of resignation.

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