Voinovich meets with Khalizad

Ohio Sen. George Voinovich, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, met today with Zalmay Khalilzad, the nominee to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Khalilzad is currently the U.S. ambassador to Iraq. Here's what the Cleveland Republican had to say about the meeting:

“I am very pleased that I had the opportunity to meet with Ambassador Khalilzad today to discuss his nomination and the current international climate. I made it clear to him that I strongly believe the next ambassador to the United Nations must continue the focus on true U.N. reform – making it more transparent, efficient and beholden to higher ethical standards. I spoke with Ambassador Khalilzad about the U.N.’s role in Iraq, the looming threat of Iran, the need to fully implement Resolution 1701 and facilitate the return of captive Israeli soldiers and the importance of Kosovo’s future status to stability in Europe. I also raised the need to strengthen relations at the U.N. so that we can best promote our interests with the international community. I look forward to discussing these issues with Ambassador Khalilzad in more detail during the confirmation hearings.”

Khalilzad would replace former the former U.S. ambassador to the U.N., John Bolton, whose shot at getting the job for good was derailed after Voinovich objected to the nomination. Voinovich later came around and strongly backed Bolton, but it was too late.