President Bush Appoints John R. Bolton as Ambassador to the United Nations

President Bush has appointed John R. Bolton, a conservative known for his skepticism of the United Nations, as the new American ambassador to the world organization. The nomination has brought expressions of concern from many diplomats, who cited Bolton's scathing criticism of the United Nations in the past. Despite the concerns, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice praised Bolton's record of success and his proven track record of effective multilateralism. The nomination has been met with praise from many Republicans and conservatives, but also with caution from some Democrats and administration insiders who worry about Bolton's ability to work effectively with the United Nations.

Key Takeaways:

• John R. Bolton, a 56-year-old lawyer and former under secretary of state for arms control and international security affairs, has been appointed as the new American ambassador to the United Nations.
• Bolton is known for his sharp skepticism of the United Nations and his criticism of international diplomacy, which has raised concerns among many diplomats.
• Despite the concerns, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice praised Bolton's record of success and his proven track record of effective multilateralism.
• Bolton's nomination has been met with praise from many Republicans and conservatives, but also with caution from some Democrats and administration insiders who worry about his ability to work effectively with the United Nations.
• Bolton has a history of criticizing the United Nations, including once saying that "if the U.N. secretary building in New York lost 10 stories, it wouldn't make a bit of difference" and that "there's no such thing as the United Nations."
• Bolton has also been critical of efforts to negotiate an end to the twin crises posed by Iran's and North Korea's nuclear programs, and has criticized any effort to work with the International Criminal Court.
• Secretary General Kofi Annan of the United Nations, informed by Ms. Rice of the appointment on Monday morning, said through a spokesman that he looked forward to working with Mr. Bolton.
• Bolton's nomination has also been met with opposition from some Democrats, who have criticized the appointment as a "disappointing choice" that sends "all the wrong signals."
• Senator Bill Frist of Tennessee, the majority leader, called Mr. Bolton an "outstanding candidate" for the United Nations job.
• Senator Chuck Hagel, a Nebraska Republican, expressed caution, saying that "we need alliances, we need friends" and that while reforming the organization was important, "to go up there and kick the U.N. around doesn't get the job done."

Statistics:

• 25 years: The length of time Bolton has worked in federal government, mostly in the State Department.
• 4 years: The length of time Bolton has served as under secretary of state for arms control and international security affairs.
• 56: Bolton's age.
• 15 years ago: The time when Bolton served as assistant secretary of state for international organizations, helping to press for repeal of the resolution that equated Zionism and racism.

Sources:

• "President Bush Appoints John R. Bolton as Ambassador to the United Nations" by The New York Times (date not specified)
• "John Bolton Is 'Disaster' for U.N., Says Diplomat" by The New York Times (date not specified)
• "Bolton's Nomination for U.N. Post Cited as 'Disappointing Choice'" by The New York Times (date not specified)
• "Bolton's Record on Diplomacy Praised by Rice" by The New York Times (date not specified)