|
This is the response I got from Senator Lugar regarding my opposition to John Bolton's nomination.
Notice the extra space between the last paragraph. Also of note is the first sentence of the last paragraph. It states the examination has been done, but is continuing for several weeks.
I think Senator Lugar was caught off guard last week with the other Repubs not rubber stamping the nomination. It looks like the paragraph was added after that episode.
Thank you for contacting me about the nomination of Secretary John Bolton to serve as the next Ambassador to the United Nations and for describing your concerns about his nomination. I appreciate this opportunity to respond. I share the view that the United States must be reaching out to allies and seeking cooperative methods for solving international problems.
Secretary Bolton has served the last four years as the Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs. In this capacity, he has played an important role in recent notable diplomatic successes, including the President’s Proliferation Security Initiative, the Moscow Treaty, the G-8 Global Partnership Against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, and the opening of Libya’s WMD programs. Secretary Bolton also served for four years in the administration of George H.W. Bush as the Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations. In this position, he was heavily involved in matters related to the United Nations, including U.N. financing and reform proposals. He also assisted former Secretary of State James Baker in his role as the Secretary General’s Personal Envoy for the Western Sahara.
It is imperative that we begin to consider reform of the United Nations, as Secretary Bolton is prepared to do. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan has also proposed a substantial U.N. reform plan that will provide a platform for further reform initiatives and discussions. Secretary General Annan has welcomed Mr. Bolton’s appointment. In 2005, we may have a unique opportunity to improve the operations of the U.N. The revelations of the Oil-For-Food scandal and the urgency of strengthening global cooperation to address terrorism, the AIDS crisis, nuclear proliferation, and many other international problems have created momentum in favor of constructive reforms at the United Nations.
The United States must be a leader in the effort to improve the United Nations, particularly its accountability. At a time when the United States is appealing for greater international help in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and in trouble spots around the world, a diminishment of U.N. credibility because of scandal reduces U.S. options and increases our own burdens.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has conducted an extensive examination of Secretary Bolton, which will continue for several more weeks. The President has made it clear that this is not a casual appointment; he wants a specific person to do a specific job. Secretary Bolton has expressed his intent to work hard to secure greater international support at the U.N., stated his belief in decisive American leadership at the U.N., and underscored that an effective United Nations is very much in the interest of U.S. national security. I believe that the President deserves to have his nominee represent him at the United Nations.
Thank you, again, for contacting me.
Sincerely,
Richard G. Lugar
United States Senator
RGL/aba
|
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(289 posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
