[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 49 (Monday, December 11, 2006)]
[Pages 2123-2124]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

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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.