Nomination: John Bolton to be United States Ambassoador to the United Nations

22 April 2005

I am concerned about Mr. Bolton's nomination to be ambasador to the UN. I watched the hearings (1, 2, 3)and the business meeting where the vote got delayed until 12 May or later, and rightlyso because there are legitimate concerns as to his temperment and approach to coworkers.

I am concerned that he will be abrasive with his coworkers at the UN and maybe even be destructive to the process. The reports of him firing or attemptimting to fire analysts who disagreed with him on intelligence is a problem because even as a blunt-spoken diplomat you must respect honest disagreements. I am comfortable with the disposition of these charges that he did nothing improper he was just blunt about his feelings.

The latest charge that came in the day of the meeting was even more daming if true: he harassed a female employee that disagreed with him about something regarding intelligence.

I sincerely hope that this charge is debunked because I want to support the nomination as well. I would hope that if it is proven true, however, that you would reconsider your support for the nomination.

I agree that if these charges are not sustained and he is voted out of committee than he would be "an agent for reform."

I would like to see the UN reformed and Oil-for-Food solved. I hope we can get past this and confirm Mr. Boltonbecause I do believe that he would serve our nation well. However, if he proves to be abrasive rather than just blunt-spoken than he is not the right man for the job. Please consider this carfully.

Thank you.

Response to Graham Supports John Bolton as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

U.S.Senate Committee on Foreign RelationsHearings: 11 April, 12 April

Business Meetings: 19 April, 12 May

StatementsRichard Lugar