    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [February 26, 1991]
    [Page 176]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Address to the Nation on the Iraqi Statement on Withdrawal From Kuwait
    February 26, 1991

        I have a brief statement to make today. Saddam's most recent speech
    is an outrage. He is not withdrawing. His defeated forces are
    retreating. He is trying to claim victory in the midst of a rout, and he
    is not voluntarily giving up Kuwait. He is trying to save the remnants
    of power and control in the Middle East by every means possible. And
    here, too, Saddam Hussein will fail.
        Saddam is not interested in peace but only to regroup and fight
    another day. And he does not renounce Iraq's claim to Kuwait. To the
    contrary, he makes clear that Iraq continues to claim Kuwait. Nor is
    there any evidence of remorse for Iraq's aggression or any indication
    that Saddam is prepared to accept the responsibility for the awful
    consequences of that aggression.
        He still does not accept U.N. Security Council resolutions or the
    coalition terms of February 22, including the release of our POW's, all
    POW's, third-country detainees, and an end to the pathological
    destruction of Kuwait. The coalition will therefore continue to
    prosecute the war with undiminished intensity.
        As we announced last night, we will not attack unarmed soldiers in
    retreat. We have no choice but to consider retreating combat units as a
    threat and respond accordingly. Anything else would risk additional
    United States and coalition casualties.
        The best way to avoid further casualties on both sides is for the
    Iraqi soldiers to lay down their arms as nearly 30,000 Iraqis already
    have. It is time for all Iraqi forces in the theater of operation, those
    occupying Kuwait, those supporting the occupation of Kuwait, to lay down
    their arms. And that will stop the bloodshed.
        From the beginning of the air operation nearly 6 weeks ago, I have
    said that our efforts are on course and on schedule. This morning I am
    very pleased to say that coalition efforts are ahead of schedule. The
    liberation of Kuwait is close at hand.
        And let me just add that I share the pride of all of the American
    people in the magnificent heroic performance of our Armed Forces. May
    God bless them and keep them.

                        Note: President Bush spoke at 9:48 a.m. from the
                            Rose Garden at the White House. In his address,
                            he referred to President Saddam Hussein of Iraq.
                            The address was broadcast live on nationwide
                            radio and television.