WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- President Bush disappointment Monday over the resignation of Ambassador John Bolton, Washington's controversial envoy to the United Nations.
Bolton, who was described as having performed extraordinarily well in representing the United States, sent his letter of resignation to President George W. Bush Dec. 1, spokesman Tony Snow said Monday.
"It is with deep regret that I accept John Bolton's decision to end his service in the administration ...," Bush said in a statement Monday. "He served his country with extraordinary dedication and skill, assembling coalitions that addressed some of the most consequential issues facing the international community."
Bolton was appointed to the post by Bush in August 2005 after his nomination languished in a Senate committee amid controversy over his alleged management style and personal demeanor. His appointment was to end within weeks at the end of this Congress, but Bush had hoped the Senate Foreign Relations Committee would finally allow a full Senate vote.
The White House said Bolton resigned when it was clear that would not happen. And with Democrats controlling the next session of Congress after winning the November elections, that state of affairs was unlikely to change.
"I am deeply disappointed that a handful of United States senators prevented Ambassador Bolton from receiving the up or down vote he deserves in the Senate," Bush said Monday in his statement. "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."
The president was meeting later Monday with Bolton and his wife.
