Helms Seeks Removal of Envoy to Vatican

Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) is demanding the replacement of Raymond L. Flynn, the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, on grounds that the former Boston mayor faces “serious allegations of ethical misconduct.” Flynn, a Democrat, was reprimanded twice by former Secretary of State Warren Christopher--once for what was considered inappropriate criticism of Republicans and again for permitting his campaign committee to pay his expenses as ambassador. Helms, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the appeal in a letter to Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said Albright has full confidence in Flynn.