    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [May 24, 1991]
    [Pages 555-556]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Exchange With Reporters on the Assassination of Former Prime Minister
    Rajiv Gandhi of India
    May 24, 1991

        The President. Well, may I pay my respects to all the Embassy staff,
    too, and thank you very much for coming out to pay honor to this--we
    feel this very strongly, your loss.
        Q. Mr. President, how confident are you that Indian democracy will
    pass through this crisis?
        The President. India's democracy is strong, steadfast, and it has
    the full support of our country. It always has, and it always will. And
    this is a terrible tragedy. It tests the souls of India, and it trys the
    hearts of all of us. But I fear not for India's democracy.
        Q. Mr. President, are you worried about----
        The President. I really must go on.
        Q. Are you worried about the sectarian violence and really just
    wanted to----

    [[Page 556]]

        The President. Well, I hope that India will cope. They always try to
    do that. There are people that feel passionately about this, but this is
    no time for more violence. This is a time for calm, for peaceful
    resolution to differences. And if anybody ever stood for that, it was
    Rajiv Gandhi and his family.
        Q. Do you have a small message for the Indian people?
        The President. No. The United States will deal with the Indian
    Government with respect and quality. And so, I have no worries about
    that at all.
        Q. What did you write on the book?
        Q. Any message for the Indian people?
        The President. Well, I tried to express my sentiments there. And I'm
    sure the Ambassador will share it with you.
        Thank you.
        Q. Do you ever worry about the possibility of a terrorist attack
    against yourself?
        The President. No, I never worry about that. See you all.

                        Note: The President spoke at 8:40 a.m. at the Indian
                            Embassy. In his remarks, he referred to Abid
                            Hussain, Indian Ambassador to the United States.