WASHINGTON - President George W. Bush on Thursday launched another strong defence of his nominee to become the US ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton, an administration hardliner who faces a series of allegations.
Bush said Bolton, who is currently under secretary of state for arms control and international security, was a "blunt" diplomat who would be an ideal US representative to press the case to reform the United Nations.
Bolton has faced accusations that he has bullied subordinates in the past and sought to twist intelligence to suit his political agenda. His confirmation vote in the Senate has been delayed until May 12 for inquiries into the allegations.
But Bush told a White House press conference: "John Bolton is a blunt guy. Sometimes people say I'm little too blunt. John Bolton can get the job done at the United Nations."
The US president said Bolton was capable, had been in public service for 20 years, confirmed by the Senate four times for previous posts and "isn't afraid to speak his mind in the post of the ambassador to the UN."
"See, the UN needs reform. If you're interested in reforming the UN like I'm interested in reforming the UN, it makes sense to put somebody who's skilled and who's not afraid to speak his mind at the United Nations," declared Bush.
Bush praised the role of the United Nations in persuading Syria to withdraw its forces from Lebanon ahead of elections next month.
But he added: "On the other hand, the United Nations has had some problems that we've all seen. And if we expect the United Nations to be effective, it needs to clean up its problems. And I think it makes sense to have somebody representing the United States who will be straightforward about the issues."
When asked about the accusations against Bolton, Bush said he had asked Bolton about his attitude to the world body during an interview at the White House.
"I said: 'Before I send you up there to the Senate, let me ask you something: Do you think the United Nations is important?' See I didn't want to send somebody up there who said 'well, that's not worth a darn. I don't think I need to go'.
"He said: 'No, it's important, but it needs to be reformed.' And I think the United Nations is important."

04/29/2005 01:23 GMT