President Accepts Bolton Decision with Deep Regret

ABC News’ Jessica Yellin and Jonathan Karl Report: UN Ambassador John Bolton will end his service in the Bush administration when his appointment ends at the end of the 109th Congress.  Bolton will not be seeking another appointment.

In a statement, the President says he accepts Bolton’s decision “with deep regret” and is “deeply disappointed that a handful of United States Senators” prevented Bolton from receiving an up or down vote in the full Senate.

“They chose to obstruct his confirmation, even though he enjoys majority support in the Senate, and even though their tactics will disrupt our diplomatic work at a sensitive and important time," the President said in his statement, "This stubborn obstructionism ill serves our country, and discourages men and women of talent from serving their Nation.”

Bolton’s resignation is effective this weekend.  Alex Wolff — currently Bolton’s deputy — will serve as acting Ambassador until a successor is named.

The President will meet with Bolton and his wife Gretchen later this afternoon.