The new United States ambassador to the United Nations, John Negroponte, formally presented his credentials Wednesday, saying he will work to form an international coalition against terrorism.
Mr. Negroponte's appointment has been waiting approval from the U.S. Senate for about seven months. But after the terror attack on September 11 the Senate quickly approved him. As all new ambassadors must, Mr. Negroponte formally presented his credentials to U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Mr. Annan welcomed the new U.S. ambassador with the Secretary-General saying members of the world organization are unanimous in condemning the terrorism and there is much work ahead. Mr. Negroponte strongly agreed.
"As President Bush said this morning, we are all working hard to form this international coalition against terrorism," he said. "I look forward to working with you, your colleagues and with other permanent representatives here at the United Nations on the highly important project in the days and weeks ahead."
Mr. Negroponte is a former career diplomat who has served as U.S. ambassador to several nations including Honduras, Mexico and the Philippines.
After Mr. Negroponte presented his credentials, U.S. media entrepreneur Ted Turner presented him with a check for $31 million. The money, a personal donation from Mr. Turner, was vital in reaching an agreement among U.N. members last year in formulating a new structure for the assessment of U.N. expenses. The donation will be forwarded by the U.S. Treasury to the United Nations.