Originally issued as a CGS press release on April 19, 2005.
Committee Agrees Further Investigation is Needed
WASHINGTON, D.C. – After vigorous debate, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously agreed that more time is needed to address allegations against John Bolton, nominated to be U.S. Ambassador to the UN. Citizens for Global Solutions has maintained that John Bolton is the wrong man for the job, and today’s committee session displayed that these concerns have been heard.
A number of Senators echoed the objections Citizens for Global Solutions expressed about John Bolton over the last three weeks: his lack of credibility to represent America at the United Nations; his inability to work with others, management style and lack of respect for his superiors remains a fundamental concern; and his disdain for diplomacy and contempt for international law will hinder his ability to represent U.S. interests at the UN.
As Don Kraus, Executive Vice President at Citizens for Global Solutions, noted: “Today in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, principle overcame partisanship. We applaud the Committee’s diligence, their understanding of the vital need for effective UN reform, and for the committee’s continued concerns about Mr. Bolton’s ability to get the job done.”
Senator George Voinovich (R-OH), who had previously been absent from the debate, stated: “I’ve heard enough today that I don’t feel comfortable about voting for Mr. Bolton.” Voinovich expressed alarm over the allegations brought to light by Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE) and others in today’s business meeting, requesting more time to conduct detailed investigation into the serious allegations against Bolton.
“We believe American’s interest will be much better served by a responsible, credible UN Ambassador – someone other than Mr. Bolton. The upcoming hearings must now allow for a thorough investigation of the allegations to ensure that all information is available to Committee members,” said Mr. Kraus.
Last week, the committee heard testimony from Carl Ford, former Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research, who corroborated allegations that Bolton attempted to remove intelligence analysts who disagreed with his use of unsubstantiated intelligence. Ford also questioned Bolton’s character, describing him as a “serial abuser,” and a “quintessential kiss-up, kick-down sort of guy” who “abuses his authority with little people.”
