The United Nations must become more efficient and effective.

This means pushing for democratic elections, but also pushing for the freedoms necessary for democracy to work--freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, independence of the judiciary, and civilian…

Advocacy for democratic freedoms is an essential pillar of what we do abroad.

The United States consistently opposes any texts or actions that criticize Israel unfairly in any U.N. body or specialized agency, and I will maintain that position.

I understand and agree strongly with the call the Department of State has already made for an independent investigation, with independent, international observers, into the circumstances leading to the deaths of Oswaldo Paya and Harold…

I have been increasingly concerned by the administration's attempts to circumvent the Congress and arm Syrian rebels, whom we know little about.

As both the U.N.'s principal founding member and its largest contributor, the United States has the right and the duty to insist on reform.

The administration will continue to stress... that the only path for the Palestinians to realize their aspiration of statehood is through direct negotiations.

If confirmed, just as I did as President Obama's U.N. adviser, I would take every opportunity to make clear the administration's position that one-sided actions in international fora will not advance the aspirations of the Palestinian…

In these difficult budget times, when the American people are facing tough cuts and scrutinizing every expense, the United Nations must do the same.

The President has put in place a multifaceted approach designed, with our international partners, to strengthen moderate elements of the opposition and bring about the too-long-awaited political transition to democracy.

We did note with concern allegations of voter fraud and arrest of opposition members.

I share the concern expressed by the administration and by so many members of this committee regarding the ongoing crisis in Syria, and the brutal atrocities committed by Bashar al-Assad's forces against the Syrian people in a conflict…

There are no short cuts to Palestinian statehood, and I and other U.S. officials have long made that clear.

These people who live there now on the Italian peninsula inherit this. They have a great opportunity ahead.

I support a diplomatic solution to the crisis and hope that we can find such an opening with a newly elected government in Iran.

We will reconvene the committee, and we will begin by hearing from John Phillips.

I thank you very much. You are an excellent choice to be Ambassador.