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WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following text is of remarks by President Bush after meeting with United Nations Ambassador John Bolton:

The Oval Office

3:49 P.M. EST

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