[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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