U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday strongly defended John Bolton's nomination as Washington's envoy to the United Nations, saying he was the ideal man to ensure reform at the world body. "I believe John Bolton is the right person to be U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. at a critical time as it prepares for debate on reform," Rice told reporters after talks with Lithuanian leaders. Rice is in Vilnius for an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers. Rice made her comments after U.S. Senate Democrats this week again blocked a vote by the committee considering Bolton's nomination. Democrats are strongly opposed to Bolton representing the U.S. at the world body, citing his hostile views of the U.N. and allegations that he bullied subordinates. The delay came after Republicans, including George Voinovich of Ohio, also said they would like more time to examine Bolton, who still holds his undersecretary position at the State Department. Rice, however, said Bolton would bring a "strong voice for American leadership" in the U.N. The Senate vote should vote quickly, Rice urged, saying Bolton was a "committed and capable diplomat and someone we have confidence in." --SP 2239 Local Time 1939 GMT
