    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [May 7, 1991]
    [Page 483]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on President Bush's Meeting With
    President Francesco Cossiga and Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti of Italy
    May 7, 1991

        The President met with Italian President Cossiga and Prime Minister
    Andreotti for about 45 minutes in the Oval Office. The President and the
    two Italian leaders discussed the Middle East, European security issues,
    and Eastern Europe. On the Middle East, they discussed the need for
    continued urgent humanitarian relief for the Kurdish refugees and the
    need to provide security for their prompt and safe return to their
    villages. They underscored the important role of the United Nations in
    taking over and in facilitating the refugee situation.
        President Cossiga and Prime Minister Andreotti stressed the strong
    importance they attach to the Atlantic alliance and the indispensable
    role of the United States in assuring European security. In their
    discussion of East European issues, the three leaders expressed concern
    over growing violence in Yugoslavia. They stressed the importance of
    respect for human rights and democracy but also affirmed their support
    for Yugoslavia's political and territorial integrity. They noted that
    during this volatile period it is important for all sides to practice
    restraint and to work for a peaceful outcome to disputes.