Tuesday 2 August 2005

Annan To Welcome Bolton, But No Share In Profits

U.N. Leader Says Must Be "Approved" To Get Cut of Illegal Gains

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said yesterday that he welcomes newly recessed-appointed U.S. Ambassador John Bolton to the United Nations but warned the diplomat not to expect to be "cut it to any profits" soon.

"We only include fully and officially chosen diplomats for the distribution of funds", said Annan.

Annan indicated that the touted Oil-For-Food' program was just one of many sources of illegal gains that are part of the U.N. network. However, there is room for Bolton to enrich himself, if he so chooses.

"Mr. Bolton will be encouraged to design and develop new revenue streams", said Annan. "His background in arms should be an asset in that area".

Mr. Bolton was the former under secretary of state for arms control for the Bush Administration since 2001.

Mr. Bolton was greeted by a crowd of protesters, booing him, as he entered his new position yesterday afternoon. Earlier, in a short ceremony in the Roosevelt Room at the White House, President Bush, using his executive powers, appointed Bolton to the long-empty U.N. Ambassador's seat. The President said that he had "complete confidence" in Bolton.

Bolton said he was "profoundly honored, indeed, humbled" by the appointment.

It was the first time since the United Nations' was founded, in 1945, that the United States has filled that post using a recess appointment. Mr. Bolton is the highest-ranking of the 106 people that Mr. Bush has put into jobs by recess appointment during his administration, now five-and-a-half-years in office.

Democrats held up the confirmation of Bolton as evidenced surfaced of his blunt management style, that included bullying and intimidating staff, as well as his statements showing a lack-of-respect for the United Nations. In the early 1990's, Bolton said that the top seven floors of the U.N, could be "lopped off" and nobody would notice.

There is also speculation that Bolton is being "farmed out" with the U.N. post., that he was "wreaking havoc" in his work for the State Department. Sources suggest that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice championed "shipping Bolton out of Washington"

Annan said that he is not concerned with Bolton's prior disparagement of the U.N. He indicated it all comes down now to how he fits in and "plays ball".

"I think it is all right for one ambassador to come and push, but an ambassador always has to remember that there are 190 others who will have to be convinced - or a vast majority of them - for action to take place," Mr. Annan said.

Annan has been under increasing pressure to step down, for his management of the scandal-plagued U.N.

An investigation led by former U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volker found no wrongdoing by Annan, but it directly faulted the secretary-general's management and oversight of the oil-for-food program in Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

Annan, earlier this year, was being considered by the White House for a position, as the President was impressed with Annan's abilities to carry out large-scaled scandals. Rumors say that it is the White House's hope that Bolton can "soak up" as much experience in this area as he can to give them "additional opportunities" before the end of their term.



"Hmmmm ... I could probably lop off half the White House on this guy and he'd never know it"







Bush Defends Rove: Wants More Leaks

Has "Complete Confidence" and Big Agenda For Top Political Advisor

President Bush, yesterday, came out with his strongest comments yet on the continuing CIA Leak case, defending White House Chief Strategist, Karl Rove, who is at the center of the investigation.

''Karl's got my complete confidence. He's a valuable member of my team," said the President.

Mr. Bush was dismissive of Rove's critics and detractors, calling them a "bunch of whiners" and the President indicated he has a much larger agenda for Rove, considered the architect of the Bush Presidency.

"I expect more leaks … Bigger leaks", continued the President. "There's a whole truckload of people that don't agree with me and they all have spouses. I expect Karl will be very busy when we get back next month.

The President also pointed to the 2006 Congressional elections and he has a goal for Rove to defame at least three Democratic candidates with charges that "they are gay".

"We've barely got into the electronic bugging of our detractors", said Mr. Bush. "Once we ramp that up, I expect a bushel of new information we can use against people".