Powell Unsupportive of Bolton

The stakes over John Bolton’s confirmation to be American ambassador to the United Nations have grown even higher, with some private criticism of the nominee by former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, and public criticism of Bolton’s conduct from a former US ambassador who worked with him on the North Korea nuclear issue. The New York Times reported that he expressed reservations about Bolton to Senators Chafee and Hagel. Powell has let it be known through aides that he did not instigate contacts with the two senators, but merely responded to their inquiries.

Meanwhile, Senator Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), told colleagues she is particularly troubled by the allegation that Bolton, as a private lawyer in 1994, became so angry at a government contractor that he chased her through a Moscow hotel, hurling objects and verbal threats, and later spread rumors about her. Committee Republicans and Democrats agreed on Friday to a May 12 session for their vote on Bolton, giving them a couple of weeks to investigate and gather evidence and testimony regarding several allegations against him. They will also confer on documents still required from the State Department and other U.S. agencies to provide answers to outstanding controversies over Bolton’s role in policymaking and with personnel.

Dick Cheney came to the defense of John Bolton on Friday, and urged members of the Republican National Lawyers Association to lobby for the nomination. Neither the White House nor Mr. Cheney would discuss Mr. Powell’s reported comments.

“Republican staff members yesterday interviewed Thomas Hubbard, a former U.S. ambassador to South Korea, without Democratic staff members present. Hubbard has said he clashed angrily with Bolton.

“A senior Democratic committee aide said the interview was unfortunate, because Democrats thought they had an agreement between committee Chairman Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind.) and Vice Chairman Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D-Del.) for proceeding with interviews that would allow both sides to be present, along with a court reporter.

““When we asked to participate, we were refused,” the aide said. “We hope this was an aberration, and that from now on they honor the rule that we proceed jointly. The proof will be in the pudding.” He added: “We found out five minutes before it happened.””

—And they call that a “good faith” agreement. Heh.