President Bush, Ambassador John Bolton (VIDEO)

President Bush Meets with United Nations Ambassador John Bolton, The Oval Office, 3:49 P.M. EST.

President George W. Bush exchanges handshakes with U.N. Ambassador John Bolton during his visit Monday, Dec. 4, 2006, to the White House. Earlier, upon announcement of the Ambassador's resignation,

the President said in a statement, "It is with deep regret that I accept John Bolton's decision to end his service..." White House photo by Eric Draper.

THE PRESIDENT: I received the resignation of Ambassador John Bolton. I accepted. I'm not happy about it. I think he deserved to be confirmed. And the reason why I think he deserved to be confirmed is because I know he did a fabulous job for the country.

And I want to thank you and Gretchen for serving in a very important position, and doing so in a way that a lot of Americans really appreciate, John. We're going to miss you in this administration. You've been a stalwart defender of freedom and peace. You've been strong in your advocacy for human rights and human dignity. You've done everything that can be expected for an Ambassador.

And I accept your letter, and I wish you and Gretchen all the very best.

AMBASSADOR BOLTON: Many thanks.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you.

END 3:50 P.M. EST, For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, December 4, 2006

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