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Monday, December 04, 2006
Bolton to step down
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The United States Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton has submitted his resignation to President Bush, effective when his recess appointment ends at the conclusion of the current session of Congress, the White House said Monday.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said President Bush was "surprised" when Bolton submitted his letter of resignation on Friday and that the president "reluctantly accepted" it.

Bush used his "recess appointment" authority in August 2005 to place Bolton in the ambassador post, bypassing a difficult congressional confirmation process.

Congress was in its summer recess at the time. The legal authority expires when Congress adjourns, which is expected at the end of this week.


-- CNN White House Correspondent Suzanne Malveaux
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