Briefing on the Security Council Election for the Latin American Seat and Other Matters

USUN PRESS RELEASE #311

Reporter: Is there any sort of movement or a way out of this impasse do you know?

Ambassador Bolton: Well, I don't -- I wouldn't characterize it as an impasse. Guatemala has led consistently on vote after vote, and we'll vote again today and see what happens. But our position remains as it's been past -- whatever -- 41 ballots or whatever, so we'll see what happens.

Reporter: Is the United States prepared to support a compromised candidate if both countries agree to a compromise?

Ambassador Bolton: You know, I think I've said before the traditional U.S. posture is we don't get involved in regional group deliberations over Security Council candidacies. And as long as Guatemala's in the race, we support Guatemala, we think that they've got good substantive arguments for their candidacy, and we've expressed our concerns about Venezuela. But it's not for us to determine this. This is an extraordinary decision we've taken because of the extraordinary circumstances. So, you know, for now we're for Guatemala, and we'll see what happens.

Reporter: Would you be willing to draw any lines between (inaudible).

Ambassador Bolton: Well, I think the resolution was very clear that simply returning to the six-party talks is not going to be sufficient to change the terms of the resolution. I think the president made it clear this morning that he wants to see substantial progress, and we have yet to actually schedule the six-party talks. So we'll wait and see if the talks take place, and then, we'll see what comes out of them.

Reporter: Mr. Ambassador, you -- did you have the chance to look into what the Lebanese president -- his comments about the international tribunal? Yesterday, you said you didn't –

Ambassador Bolton: Not any further. I don't have anything on that.

Reporter: Ambassador, what's your view on the status of the negotiations concerning an Ivory Coast resolution and the prospect for a vote today?

Ambassador Bolton: There's going to be a meeting right now, and we'll see how they turn out. It's going to be a sort of mixed meeting at the French mission. So I'm going in and vote, so I'll see you all later.