Source: http://www.un.int/usa/06_076.htm http://www.un.int/usa/06_076.htm
Date: April 13, 2006
United States Mission to the United Nations
USUN PRESS RELEASE # 76 (06)   
April 13, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	 	 
Remarks by Ambassador Bolton on Chad, Darfur, and Israel/Palestine at the Security Council Stakeout, April 13, 2006
Ambassador Bolton:  OK, well you heard the press statement on the situation relating to Darfur and Chad.  We think that’s a very important statement.  We added a paragraph on the importance of concluding the Abuja peace talks by April the 30th because peace and stability in Darfur could contribute to peace and stability in the entire region.  But in any event, it’s an important press statement on the situation in Chad and Darfur.  Any questions?
Reporter:  Mr. Ambassador, two questions.  A follow-up on the Ethiopia/Eritrea Resolution, could you tell us the status of the U.S. Mission?
Ambassador Bolton:  The EEBC will meet again on April the 28th and we’re hoping to make further progress in that meeting and we’ll evaluate the outcome of that meeting in deciding what to do next on the size and disposition of the peacekeeping force.
Reporter:  And could you also tell us about the discussion on the Presidential Statement on the Palestinian/Israeli…?
Ambassador Bolton:  There is still disagreement over the text of the Presidential Statement and discussions will continue.  We may meet this afternoon, but we’re still pretty far from agreement on it.
Reporter:  Ambassador, on that a follow up.  Why does the Security Council schedule a consultation on that issue on a major Jewish holiday?
Ambassador Bolton:  Well, I raised the point about consistency about observing religious holidays and I took it to be the rule that basically we work on everybody’s religious holidays.  At least that’s the conclusion I drew from the discussion and, you know, that may not be a pleasant conclusion, but I think as long as the rule is applied consistently, that that’s the right thing to do.  So, I take it that the Security Council has said that never again can anybody say, “But it’s a religious holiday, therefore I can’t work.”  Nobody can say that.
Reporter:  Can you tell us about any discussions you had today on Iran and whether there’s any sentiment in the Council for any kind of statement or action?
Ambassador Bolton:  We didn’t discuss Iran in the Security Council, we did among the Perm 5 this morning…as I said to you this morning, right.  Anything else?  OK, thanks a lot.