Reaction Of Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.),
Ranking Member And Incoming Chairman,
Appropriations Subcommittee On State, Foreign Operations And Related Programs,
To The Resignation Of John Bolton
As U.S. Ambassador To The United Nations
Monday, December 4, 2006

“John Bolton has been a divisive figure and a cheerleader for the White House’s ‘stay the course’ approach to the disastrous war in Iraq.  His legacy is part and parcel with the squandered opportunities, mismanagement and flawed policies that produced and that have worsened the debacle there.  Our past role as a leader and consensus-builder has been damaged, minimizing our ability to act on a wide variety of matters that are important to our interests and to our security around the world.  We face a lengthening list of pressing issues that require careful, constructive and collaborative solutions, and it is time for a new voice and a new direction for us at the United Nations.”

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