WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (Xinhuanet) -- US President George W. Bush sidestepped the Senate and directly appointed John Bolton as the new US ambassador to the United Nations on Monday.

   "This post is too important to leave vacant any longer, especially during a war and a vital debate about UN reform," Bush said while appointing Bolton the UN job.

John Bolton speaks after being installed as the permanent Ambassador to UN for the US by President George W. Bush in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. (Reuters)

   Bush used his Congressional authority and used the power of recess appointment to appoint Bolton the job. Under the Constitution, a recess appointment during the lawmakers' August break will last until the next session of Congress, which begins in January 2007.

   For his part, Bolton said he was honored and humbled by the president's appointment.

   "It will be a distinct privilege to be an advocate for America's values and interests at the U.N. and, in the words of the U.N. charter, to help maintain international peace and security," he said.

   Bolton has been criticized for trying to shape intelligence estimates on Cuba, Syria and other issues to reflect his own views and having a history of berating people he worked with and of seeking to remove those who disagree with him. Enditem