Source: http://www.un.int/usa/06_083.htm http://www.un.int/usa/06_083.htm
Date: April 19, 2006

United States Mission to the United Nations

USUN PRESS RELEASE # 83 (06)   
April 19, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	 	 
Remarks by Ambassador Bolton on Sudan, the selection of the next Secretary General, and other matters at the Security Council Stakeout, April 19, 2006
Ambassador Bolton:  Well, we had a very extensive discussion of the sanctions question and the Sanctions Committee will meet this afternoon.  We’re discussing a variety of ways in which to proceed, but one thing that’s clear is that there’s overwhelming support for the sanctions decision.  There’s still questions about timing, but I think there are ways that we’re looking at that we will be able to move ahead.  So that’s where we stand.  
Reporter:  Mr. Ambassador, there are two schools of thought being presented.  One imposing sanctions now could hurt their chances for a deal and another school of thought that imposing sanctions could actually increase the chances for a deal with the Abuja parties.  Which one do you subscribe to and why?
Ambassador Bolton:  Well, I think the argument that persuades us to move ahead now is the importance of the credibility of the Security Council.  The decision, the procedure that we followed on these sanctions decisions so far has not been related to the peace process and the decision to proceed shouldn’t affect it one way or the other, really.  But if anything, the Cote d’Ivoire experience should tell us that proceeding with the sanctions would have a positive effect because it shows the credibility of the Council, the seriousness in the involvement of the Council.  We think that could be important.
Reporter:  Ambassador, the General Assembly just had a meeting… well, just finished moments ago on the selection of the new Secretary General.  Some specific (inaudible) are coming out of that, namely, forming a search committee, to sort of, you know, scour the world to select candidates and having forums where these candidates can meet with member states and regional groups, and so forth.  There seems to be (inaudible).
Ambassador Bolton:  The Charter says that the Security Council will make a recommendation to the General Assembly and in fact, I think that’s what we’ll do.  
Reporter:  Ambassador, is there any movement on the press statement on the bombing in Tel Aviv?
Ambassador Bolton:  I don’t think there will be a press statement on the bombing in Tel Aviv.  I don’t think there will be agreement on it.
Reporter:  Back to Sudan for a second, sir.  Any U.S. reaction to the decision to bar a UN assessment peacekeeping team from getting visas and going into Sudan to assess or make plans for the upcoming peacekeeping mission?
Ambassador Bolton:  Well that is clearly a mistake that undercuts our ability to do contingency planning.  We have explained why we think that is a mistake, and it is not consistent with the decision of the African Union Peace and Security Council.  
Reporter:   On this business of the new campaign for a selection of the Secretary General, is that dead in the water in this campaign before it starts?  
Ambassador Bolton:  There are a lot of suggestions that are out there.  The candidates for Secretary General can meet with whomever they want at any point they want.  But the Charter is clear that the responsibility to make the recommendation lies with the Security Council.  Until the Charter is changed, that is the procedure we will follow.
Reporter:  (Inaudible) the United States feels the process is fine just the way it is?  
Ambassador Bolton:  No, I am sure it is not fine.  It is a very confusing and unclear procedure.  But the candidates for Secretary General have been able to work their way through it in each successive election for the last sixty years and I am sure we will find a way through it now as well.  There is no inhibition at all in any country that is a member of the United Nations that wants to talk to a candidate for Secretary-General to ask to talk to that candidate and it is completely up to them and to the candidates and I think that is the way it should be.  
Reporter:  (Inaudible) at this point to the P5 plus Germany meeting on Iran in Moscow?
Ambassador Bolton: I do not, no.
Reporter:  (Inaudible) Do you believe that it is up to the Security Council now that to make its feelings known that Iran should stop meddling in Lebanese affairs by supporting Hezbollah and is impeding the implementation of Resolution 1559?
Ambassador Bolton:  I think the Secretary General’s report is an important step forward in demonstrating the importance of Iranian interference in Lebanese internal affairs.  And I think by saying specifically that Syria and Iran have to be involved in ceasing their internal disruption in Lebanon is an important step forward and I am sure the Council will consider that very carefully.  Okay?  See you later.