I Didn't Undercut Paddy Ashdown

I was dismayed to read Jim Hoagland's Feb. 3 op-ed column quoting anonymous sources saying that I "abetted" the collapse of a plan to appoint Paddy Ashdown as the U.N. special representative for Afghanistan ["A Pair of Allies, Self-Destructing"].

Although Mr. Hoagland is a well-respected journalist, I am afraid he didn't get his facts right. I believed that Mr. Ashdown's qualifications fit nicely with the terms of reference for the U.N. special representative position, which require someone with the skills to implement the United Nations' mandate in Afghanistan and to lead international efforts to support and implement a comprehensive Afghan-led strategy for the country -- including with NATO, the European Union and other key players. I advocated for Mr. Ashdown's appointment with the United Nations and worked closely with the Afghan mission to the United Nations and other interested missions to make this appointment a reality.

The mission of the special representative remains the same and necessary. After Mr. Ashdown's withdrawal, the task is to find a capable individual as soon as possible. We will work with the secretary general and others in support of this objective.

ZALMAY KHALILZAD

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations

New York