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The first woman to serve as the United States ambassador to the United Nations had died. Jeane J. Kirkpatrick was 80. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, Kirkpatrick distinguished herself as a blunt and forceful advocate of the administration's policies.

Democrats force the Senate to delay a vote on John Bolton's nomination to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. A Senate motion to end debate on Bolton failed by a vote of 56-42. Republicans needed 60 votes to move Bolton's nomination to a vote of the full Senate.

A U.S.-sponsored resolution on Iraq is postponed at the United Nations, despite a flurry of compromises. The resolution sets Dec. 15 as the deadline for submitting an outline of the country's future. The draft also calls for a multi-national military force to help secure the nation. Hear NPR's Michele Kelemen.

At the United Nations, President Bush defends his decision to go to war in Iraq and calls on the international community to help in reconstruction. But some member countries and Secretary-General Kofi Annan still question the legitimacy of the U.S.-led war. NPR's Vicky O'Hara reports.

Iran's initial step to restart research into uranium enrichment dismays the United States, Europe and Russia. All are trying to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The next move appears to be an appeal to the U.N. Security Council.

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani says he will accept a caucus-elected government in July if the United Nations guarantees direct elections will be held in Iraq by 2005. Sistani, Iraq's most prominent Shiite cleric, had previously insisted that elections take place by June 30, the date targeted by the United States for a transfer of power to an Iraqi government. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair meets with President Bush Friday. British officials say Blair hopes to flesh out a role for the United Nations in Iraq's transition. Blair has faced criticism at home for having little influence when it comes to Iraq -- despite Britain's 10,000 troops there. NPR's Michele Kelemen reports.

President Bush installs John Bolton as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, making a recess appointment to circumvent the Senate, where Democrats blocked approval of the nominee. Bolton will be able to serve until a new Congress forms in 2007.

The United Nations appeals for more help for Sudanese refugees, who have fled into the desert in neighboring Chad to escape civil war and persecution by government-backed militias. The humanitarian crisis is severe and likely to be made far worse by the approaching rainy season. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and Dr. Jennifer Leaning, professor of international health at Harvard.

The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution condemning Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory. Ambassador Dennis Ross discusses the implications.