Susan Rice

It is critically important that any Security Council reform not undermine the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the Council.

We stand firmly in support of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

I want good working relationships with them. I want honesty and transparency and I want to minimize surprises.

The United States has fought for, and under President-elect Obama will remain committed to, increasing transparency within the United Nations system.

The United Nations plays a significant role in this regime.

President-elect Obama will work on multiple levels to address these dangers.

There is no more urgent threat to the United States than a terrorist with a nuclear weapon.

Thanks to the bold leadership and vision of Senator Lugar and others, enormous progress has been made.

I believe we stand now at yet another defining moment--one in which the peoples and nations of the world must find both the will and more effective means to cooperate, if we are to counter the urgent global threats that face us all.

I am very appreciative of their support.

I am very grateful to you, Mr. Chairman, and to Senator Lugar, for convening this hearing swiftly to consider my nomination.

I want to thank the President-elect for his confidence in naming me to this vitally important position.

But now the challenge of putting those troops on the ground remains.

We need them to work with us and others to bring the necessary pressure to bear on that regime so that the Zimbabwean peoples' suffering can finally end.

We need to lead from a position of moral strength in order to bring others along with us.

The other half of the challenge, though, Mr. Chairman, is that of will, political will.

Building greater capacity globally is in our interest.

The United States will lead at the United Nations with a respect for the institution and a determination to make it work.

What do you really realistically believe can be done so that under the Obama administration this will be different?

I think these last 8 years have been particularly frustrating because it seems somehow that the entire international community has lost the ability to act on its outrage.

In the 21st century, we can and we must transcend old barriers, build new bridges, strengthen our common security, and invest in our common humanity.

If confirmed, I will be an unflinching advocate of America's interests and values at the United Nations.

President-elect Obama believes that the United States should pay our dues to the U.N. in full and on time.

I pledge to you to work tirelessly to see that the American taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively.

It is essential to strengthen the global nonproliferation and disarmament regime, dealing with those nations in violation.