    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [May 6, 1991]
    [Pages 476-477]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks and an Exchange With Reporters on Ethiopian Jewish Emigration
    May 6, 1991

        The President. I might just make one comment here to say how much we
    appreciate Senator Boschwitz going to Ethiopia. A concern of the
    Falashas, the Jews there in Ethiopia that want to go out and go to
    Israel, is a concern that I share. And Rudy took a good step forward
    there in talking to the Ethiopian authorities. It's a mission of
    conscience, a mission of compassion. And we are very grateful to you for
    undertaking it.
        I'm anxious to hear from you, how you feel things will go. But I
    know you've got some words of encouragement from the Ethiopian
    Government. And I think it's a mission that many in this country when
    they understand it will appreciate it. I'm grateful for your doing it.
        Mr. Boschwitz. Well, you've been active in that matter before, very
    active, Mr. President. So, this is a continuation. Of course, Ethiopia's
    also in great turmoil, so it's important that we bring peace there.
        Q. Is there some reason to believe that the Ethiopians are going to
    lift the restrictions on emigration?
        Mr. Boschwitz. Well, there's some hope that we will. It's a pretty
    tenuous situation. But I think that they're anxious to meet with some of
    the rebels, and I think we can bring them together. I think something
    will happen over there.
        Q. Mr. President, can the world deal with three crises at a time--
    Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and the Kurds? Are they up to that relief effort?
        The President. Resources of the United States are stressed, but the
    compassion is not. And so, I expect we can do what the United States has
    always done.
        Mr. Boschwitz. The United States moved in 170 million dollars' worth
    of food in this

    [[Page 477]]

    past year to Ethiopia. We played a very essential role in preventing
    more egregious starvation there.
        The President. Thank you all very much.

                        Note: The President spoke at 2:32 p.m. in the Oval
                            Office at the White House, prior to a meeting
                            with former Senator Rudy Boschwitz. A tape was
                            not available for verification of the content of
                            these remarks.