Senate Confirms Zalmay Khalilzad as Ambassador to the United Nations
Statement by Ted Turner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the United Nations Foundation

“Ambassador Khalilzad’s confirmation is good news for the United States and the United Nations. The Ambassador’s background and diplomatic skill will help ensure a strong and productive relationship between the United Nations and its biggest partner, the United States. The Senate’s decisive confirmation of Ambassador Khalilzad – and the Bush Administration’s support for him – signals not only the broad support he enjoys in the United States, but also the importance the United States attaches to this crucial global institution.

Ambassador Khalilzad has demonstrated leadership and diplomatic creativity in some of the most difficult places in the world -- most recently Afghanistan and Iraq. There is no doubt that he brings to the UN great skill in bringing people and governments together. The United Nations Foundation looks forward to working with Ambassador Khalilzad and is encouraged by his speedy confirmation.”

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About the United Nations Foundation
The UN Foundation was created in 1998 with entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner’s historic $1 billion gift to support UN causes and activities. The UN Foundation builds and implements public-private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems and also works to broaden support for the UN through advocacy and public outreach. The UN Foundation is a public charity. For a complete listing of UN Foundation grants and programs or to learn more about the United Nations Foundation, visit www.unfoundation.org.

Press Contacts:

Katherine Miller                       
Communications Director   
United Nations Foundation   
(o) 202.778.1622
(e) kmiller@unfoundation.org