    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [January 1, 1991]
    [Page 1]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Public Papers of the President

    [[Page 1]]

    New Year's Message to the People of the Soviet Union
    January 1, 1991

        It's a great pleasure to wish President and Mrs. Gorbachev and all
    the peoples of the Soviet Union a happy and healthy New Year. In your
    country and in mine, the start of a New Year is a good time to reflect
    on the many achievements of the past and to look ahead with hope.
        This year our two countries, as well as those around the world, have
    much to be grateful for--first and foremost, the improved and
    strengthened relations between the United States and the Soviet Union.
    Our countries have made great progress, particularly in important
    political and arms control areas. And we've taken a common approach to a
    new challenge in the name of stability and peace. I applaud--the world
    applauds--the decisive action of the Soviet Union in strongly opposing
    Saddam Hussein's brutal aggression in the Gulf.
        But just as important as these new areas of cooperation between our
    two nations are the increased contacts between the Americans and Soviet
    peoples. Tens of thousands of Soviets have had contact with Americans
    now, and the numbers are growing. Barbara and I are thrilled to see our
    two peoples meeting and getting to know one another as friendly
    neighbors.
        On this New Year's Day, as you celebrate with your friends and
    family, I also want to applaud the Soviet Union for the important steps
    you've taken in building a new society, for the determination with which
    you are pressing forward with difficult political and economic reforms.
    It's an arduous journey, but one well worth making, for it is a path
    that leads to a brighter future for your nation.
        The American people look with hope to the year ahead. Our two
    nations have set out on a new course, making a better life for both our
    peoples and a better world of peace and understanding. On behalf of the
    American people, I wish President Gorbachev and all the wonderful people
    of the Soviet Union a happy, prosperous New Year.

                        Note: This message was recorded on December 19,
                            1990, in Room 459 of the Old Executive Office
                            Building. It was televised in the Soviet Union
                            on January 1. In his message, President Bush
                            referred to President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. A
                            tape was not available for verification of the
                            content of this message.