The World Jewish Congress (WJC) has lent its support for US president George W. Bush's controversial appointment on Monday of John Bolton as new ambassador of the United States to the United Nations. Bush used a special law to appoint Bolton, who is regarded by Democrats and others as a staunch conservative, despite Senate opposition. In a statement, Edgar M. Bronfman, president of the World Jewish Congress, said: "Jews and oppressed peoples around the world should know that an effective champion of human rights and fairness will be representing the United States at the UN." Israel Singer, chairman of the WJC's Governing Board, added: "John Bolton … led the effort to rescind the outrageous UN resolution that equated Zionism with racism. We look forward to working with Mr. Bolton in his new capacity, to promote reform of the United Nations and make it worthy of the UN Charter, to secure new footholds for democracy and human rights, and to finally adopt a stand-alone resolution condemning anti-Semitism."